ROME & SAN JOSE, Calif.-- Globalstar L.P. and Telit Mobile Terminals S.p.A. of Italy today announced the commercial introduction of data communications software for Telit Globalstar phones, giving users access to the Internet or other data networks, even when they are far outside the range of cellular or other telephone services. 

Telit Globalstar phones allow users to make calls either over the Globalstar satellite telephone network or through regular GSM-based cellular networks, GSM being the cellular standard commonly used throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Australia and other parts of the world. Telit Globalstar phones have been available with voice-call capability in most of these markets for nearly two years, but until now they provided data capability only over GSM terrestrial networks. With the new software introduced today, Telit phones now can provide GSM-like data connectivity over the Globalstar satellite network as well. 

Globalstar data services, which offer the highest data speed of any mobile satellite phone service, were originally introduced in North America in December 2000, using Qualcomm Globalstar phone units which are compatible with CDMA cellular networks common in the U.S. and Canada. Telit now makes this popular data service available for the first time on a GSM/satellite phone. 

The new Telit data software can be used with either Telit Model Sat 550 or Sat 600 Globalstar phones. Using a simple adapter cable, the phone connects to a regular PC serial port and provides asynchronous dial-up data capability, generally through a regular Internet service provider (ISP) or over a private corporate network. Additional dialer and driver software for PC installation is also provided, with documentation in eight languages. 

When used on the newer-model Telit Sat 600 phone, the new software also provides greatly extended battery life -- up to 24 hours (in Globalstar Satellite mode) or more without recharging -- through a new ``slotted paging'' function. Previously, Telit Globalstar phones in stand-by mode continuously scanned for incoming call signals, rapidly draining battery power. Slotted paging, which is also used on current generation cellular phones, instructs the phone to scan for incoming signals only for a very brief instant every few seconds, resulting in far less battery usage per hour while in stand-by mode. 

Telit is Italy's largest producer of cellular and satellite phones. Based in Trieste and Rome, Telit products are giving a voice to the Mobile Generation, developing products through its network of laboratories and cooperative work with universities in Italy and elsewhere in Europe. For more information, please visit our website at www.telital.com. 

Globalstar is a partnership of the world's leading telecommunications service providers and equipment manufacturers, including co-founders Loral Space & Communications and Qualcomm Incorporated; Alenia; China Telecom (HK); DACOM; DaimlerChrysler Aerospace; Elsacom (a Finmeccanica Company); Hyundai; TE.SA.M (a France Telecom/Alcatel company); Space Systems/Loral; and Vodafone Group Plc. For more information, visit Globalstar's web site at www.globalstar.com. 

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