Globalstar Satellite Service

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The GlobalStar satellite network delivers service utilizing the following technology elements:

LEO Satellites

Unlike conventional satellites Globalstar uses Low Earth Orbit satellites, positioned 1500km above the earth, to power to its network.  In contrast a typical communications satellite would be placed in an (GEO) orbit at 35000km.  The LEO satellites of Globalstar (and Iridium) are designed to deliver mobile satellite phone services while their higher orbit counterparts are best suited for high-speed data like video transmission (ex. televising the Olympics). 

oice propagation delays inherent to higher-orbit GEO systems (like Thuraya) produce echo effects and for broadband require bulky, stationary, directional antennas which must remain fixed and pointed at a specific satellite. Because LEO satellites don’t require this type of equipment, users of a Globalstar satellite phone won’t encounter these issues—they will simply feel like they are using a cell phone with superior connection even in remote locations.

Path Diversity

Path Diversity is a signaling method that combines multiple signals of varying power strengths into a single, coherent signal. Subscriber terminals are consequently able to operate with a connection to a single satellite though typically two to four satellites will be overhead.

In the Globalstar network, subscriber satellite phones will often communicate with potentially 3 satellites simultaneously and will combine these signals into a single static-free channel. Satellite phones may alter their power levels to compensate for shadowing and interference, averaging a power range of between 50 and 300 mw.

Read more about Globalstar service on www.satellite-phone-rentals.com