The system architecture is based on the synergy between the satellite facilities and the existing ground networks. To connect users (telephone, fax), wherever they may be in the world, the Globalstar system will automatically make all the necessary connections to the nearest network to cover the distance between them in the simplest possible way. In highly populated areas, where GSM type cellular networks are already in use, the Globalstar user will have a dual-mode terminal which will automatically choose the type of service, either cellular or satellite, providing the best quality of transmission, wherever he may be. In those parts of the world where non cellular network is available, Globalstar will take charge of the entire mobile telecommunications service. The synergy is a triple guarantee of success for the GLOBALSTAR system, as it will provide local operators, users and programme partners with appreciable advantages.

Far from ignoring the presence of local infrastructure, GLOBALSTAR was designed to work in a multi-operator environment.

As the main beneficiaries of the complementarity between GLOBALSTAR and existing cellular systems, users will have a single terminal and a single mobile telephone number. The quality and continuity of the service will be guaranteed at any point on the globe. Users will also benefit from the economic repercussions of an original industrial approach which will make this network the most competitive available: wherever possible, priority is given to existing qualified technologies, so as to limit specific investments.

The GLOBALSTAR system architecture is based on a simple space segment. The intelligence of the device, i.e localization and signal processing and switching with ground networks, is concentrated on the ground. The 48 satellites, which are simple relays evenly distributed over 8 orbital planes, were therefore developed using already qualified modules, thus minimizing the number of specific industrial developments.

Globalstar phones look and act like mobile or fixed phones with which you're familiar. The difference is that they can operate virtually anywhere, carrying your call / data over an exceptionally clear, secure Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) satellite signal.

Like "bent-pipes", or mirrors in the sky, the Globalstar constellation of 40 Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites picks up signals from over 80% of the Earth's surface, everywhere outside the extreme polar regions and some mid-ocean regions. Several satellites pick up a call, and this "path diversity" assures that the call does not get dropped even if a phone moves out of sight of one of the satellites.

As soon as a second satellite picks up the signal and is able to contact the same terrestrial gateway, it begins to simultaneously transmit. If buildings or terrain block your phone signal, this "soft-handoff" prevents call interruption. The second satellite now maintains transmission of the original signal to the terrestrial "gateway".

Additional advantages of using Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites within the Globalstar system include no perceptible voice delay and lighter / smaller all-in-one phones.

Gateways process calls, then distribute them to existing fixed and cellular local networks. Terrestrial gateways are an important part of Globalstar's strategy to keep key technology and equipment easily accessible and to integrate our services as closely as possible with existing local telephony networks. This makes the Globalstar system and its services simple to manage, expand and improve.

Globalstar connects you to the people and information that matter most from over 120 countries around the world. Now, wherever life takes you, you'll have the benefit of Globalstar's voice and data communications.

Enhanced Alaska Coverage
New! Announcing enhanced service coverage in Alaska and the Yukon. A new Globalstar gateway in Wasilla, Alaska, serving these areas began operation on June 21, 2006, and is another major milestone in our continuous efforts to keep you in touch when you go further and do more.

Data Coverage
The map below shows Direct Dial-up data coverage.

Quality of Service
The map below provides a forecast of service coverage for Globalstar users around the world. Pricing may vary depending on call origination and destination locations. For pricing information, please see Airtime Pricing.

Note: Actual coverage may vary because of gateway deployment, local licensing and other factors. Globalstar service is a satellite radio technology subject to transmission limitations caused by type of terrain, service area limits, customer equipment use and other variable conditions including the functionality and orbital locations of the satellites themselves. Contact Customer Care to obtain details on roaming and service availability prior to travelling.

Map indicates coverage for voice and dial-up data calls only. Direct Internet calls (Dialing #777 send) can be made from all regions except China and the following Central American countiries: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and the surrounding coastal waters of these countries.