Vodafone has unveiled plans to offer telephony services to 100 per cent of the country with the launch of its integrated GSM/satelite telephony service, Vodafone Globalstar, slated for the end of '99.
Access to the service will be through dual mode GSM/satellite mobile phones that will work with both traditional terrestrial services and satellite. Depending on coverage areas, handset users will be given the option of connecting to the terrestrial GSM network or, if this is unavailable, through a satellite connection.
The service will be offered through the Globalstar Network, of which Vodafone is a shareholder and the sole Australian provider. The Globalstar service operates by transmitting signals from a network of 52 low earth orbit satellites. The satellite signals will be relayed into the terrestrial network via three base stations located in Dubbo, Maekatharra and Mount Isa.
Vodafone is yet to release exact costs for the service, however company executives estimate that handsets are likely to cost around $2000 and satellite phone calls would be charged at around $2 per minute. Calls made through the terrestrial GSM network would be tariffed at ordinary mobile phone rates. v Voice satellite services are expected to be operational by the end of the year with data transmission at a 9600 bps to be introduced mid 2000.
After the service is launched, Brian Clarke, Vodafone Australasia's CEO claims that Vodafone will be the sole Telco offering integrated telephone coverage of 100 per cent coverage of the Australian continent.
"Vodafone will be the only mobile phone network to have a fully integrated service providing 100 per cent coverage of the Australian continent and 100 per cent of the Australian population. It will offer Australians an affordable, integrated satellite and digital (GSM) mobile phone service."
Commenting on plans for a Vodafone float, Clarke was keen to point out that current media speculation was unfounded, although an share offering was part of the company's long term strategy.
"Of course I'm aware of the recent media speculation about our IPO, and I would like to say definitively that it is just that - speculation. No decisions have been made about the structure, size or timetable of any float."
