On February 5, 2001, two trucks were traveling about 400 kilometers northeast of Winnipeg, Manitoba. The trucks collided—on a stretch of “winter road” 4% hours away from the nearest community—and one of the drivers was injured. The other driver used his Globalstar satellite phone, which pro- vides coverage in remote areas, to call the owner of the trucking company, who in turn contacted the Royal Canadian MountedPolice to begin the rescue operation. The RCMPsaid that the use of the satellite phone shaved at least 10 hoursoff of the rescue time, if not more. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured. For the trucking company, Podolsky Inc., Globalstar is now the primary source of mobile communication. The system not only assists in communication in times of emergency, but allows the companyto be in touch with drivers continuously, even when they’re in remoteareas. Satellite Telecommunications Until recently, satellite communications devices were heavy, expensive machines used only by journalists, military personnel and aid workers for operations in remote areas. Now, the technology is being adopted by many industries and individuals for a variety of communications needs. Among the other industries putting satellite communications into widespread use: a . There’s Safety In (Phone) Numbers (NAPSA)—Accidents happen— and on North American highways they seem to happen far too often. Fortunately, there is a lot that can be done to keep accidents from becomingall-out disasters. Communication plays a critical role. Getting ambulance andrescue teamsto the scene as quickly as possible can makeall the difference. Most of the hundreds of thousands of miles of highway, though, stretch across rural areas where the nearest payphone may be miles away and cellular service is probably unavailable. A new phenomenon—personal communications via satellite—is changing all of that by putting critical dial tone in the handsof accident victims on lonely stretches of road. For truck drivers and others who work in remote areas, satellite communications enhance safety and productivity. * Railears—Whereit’s critical to not only know the locations of cars but also to communicate important data such as temperature and pressure on perishable or hazardouscargo. * Heavy equipment tracking— Distributors sell heavy equipment that gets moved across the globe; satellite communications can provide vital real-time information on the status of this equipment virtually anywhereit is moved. * Construction and mining— Industries with heavily dispersed operations can use satellite’s voice capabilities to maintain contact between construction sites, suppliers and company headquarters. Property and casualty insurance—Satellite telecommunications companies like Globalstar give 100 percent coverage to ensure that information is kept flowing and claims are handled properly. * Pipeline monitoring and control—Oil and gas pipeline operations staff can use a remote data modem to automatically monitor pipeline information. “Industries with dispersed operations, as well as police forces, fire and search and rescue teams have so many real-time data and communications needsthat can only be serviced by a network of Globalstar’s caliber,” said Tony Navarra, president of Globalstar. “It’s the only universal dial tone for almost any voice and data need.” To learn more about mobile satellite communications, visit www.globalstar.com.
