Globalstar Europe Satellite Services Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Globalstar Inc. (NYSE MKT: GSAT) and Manx Telecom, an AIM listed company and the Isle of Man’s leading communication solutions provider, now have an alliance to develop EMN—this is a new multiple technology communications system that aims to be the world’s first communications service to switch between multiple cellular networks and a DtU (Direct-to-User) mobile satellite network.
Using Globalstar’s Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, EMN is intending to be a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) solution that will enable users to communicate as normal with their existing devices, such as smartphones or tablets, but with ubiquitous nationwide coverage via satellite operations. With EMN, which uses Manx Telecom’s Smart SIM technology, when a user’s signal level begins to weaken due to the limited reach of the carrier’s coverage or disappears due to a natural or man-made disaster, connectivity will be automatically handed over to another mobile network that is in range. If a terrestrial network is not available, network connectivity will be transferred onto Globalstar’s system.
One of the first services to be developed by the new alliance, and supported by specialist technical consultancy firm, Intelcomm, is FRAN. FRAN will enable all first responders to continue making and receiving calls in the event that cellular networks become unavailable. This will be especially vital in a fast developing emergency situation when users suddenly have their communication cut off due to network overload, pre-emption or land-based infrastructure damage.
First responders need truly ubiquitous and affordable mobile communications. Previous attempts have included using satellites as ‘backhaul’ to deliver signals to terrestrial masts. However, unlike EMN’s DtU approach which connects users directly via satellite, a backhaul solution is still dependent on the reach and integrity of terrestrial infrastructure—something that cannot be guaranteed, as became apparent during 2015 when severe weather in the UK damaged terrestrial infrastructure, impairing emergency services’ ability to operate.
Using the satellite network directly, the EMN solution does not require the backhaul solution. The satellites orbit at 1,400 km above the Earth, providing much lower latency than other satellite networks in higher orbits. In addition, there is high reliability in that there are one or more satellites visible from any given point.
In the summer of 2016, Manx Telecom and Globalstar are targeting a trial service of FRAN involving parties from the emergency services community.
According to Jay Monroe, the Chairman and CEO of Globalstar, the EMN solutions will ensure that first responders can continuously communicate and help them to perform their crucial roles far more effectively. Gary Lam, the Manx Telecom CEO, added that his company's Strongest Signal SIM technology will provide much-needed balance and backup to the emergency communications architecture and will dramatically increase overall reliability.
