CHENNAI, February 5: Globalstar, the satellite-communications major, is considering Chennai as a possible site to set up its international mobile communication gateway. The company is being assisted by the Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd (VSNL) in identifying a site.According to highly-placed VSNL sources, Globalstar has been on the lookout for a site to locate the international gateways for mobile communications and has identified three possible locations in the country. The sites under consideration are Chennai, Calcutta and Pune. The sources said VSNL has offered around 85 acres of land in the Redhills area of Chennai for Globalstar to set up the gateway.
The sources said Globalstar has plans to initially establish three gateway earth stations in the country, which will in turn be connected to VSNL's existing international gateway facilities.
The gateways will also service the requirements of other countries in this region including Nepal, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
Globalstar is a low earth orbit (LEO)satellite-based telecommunications system that will offer low-cost digital telephony and other data communication services to areas across the globe that are yet not accessible or are underconnected by wireless and wireline telecommunication networks. Communication would be established through a network of 44 satellites being launched by Globalstar in 1998.
Calls can be received and made on handsets or vehicle-mounted terminals similar to cellular handsets, which will have the option of switching from cellular telephony to satellite telephony as required. The Globalstar network would be fully integrated with the country's fixed line and cellular networks.
California-based Globalstar is a limited liability partnership company founded by Loral Space and Communications Ltd and Qualcomm. It includes 10 other strategic partners representing the who's who of the international telecommunications scenario.
In India, Globalstar services are provided by Globalstar India Satellite Service (P) Ltd, a joint venturebetween Crompton Greaves Ltd, Pertech Computers Ltd, Hyundai Electronics Industries Ltd, Dacom Corporation and Hyundai Corporation.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
