 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Japan Renews Iridium Global Phone Service
Tokyo (UPI) Apr 15, 2005 A subsidiary of Japan's KDDI Corporation is to restart its globe-spanning Iridium satellite mobile phone service in June after a five-year hiatus. KDDI Network & Solutions expects an increased demand for the service from local governments and companies as part of efforts to respond more effectively to earthquakes and other natural disasters, the Asahi Shimbun reported Friday. The mobile phone system operated by Iridium Satellite of the United States is able to cover the Earth's entire surface through 66 orbiting satellites as long as users have no obstruction overhead. A satellite-based mobile phone can be used in remote areas such as mountains and islands where terrestrial cell phone service is not available. It also can provide normal service in areas struck by a natural disaster, where terrestrial cell phone services might be overwhel! med by heavy usage. Subscription fees and other details have yet to be decided, but a phone is expected to cost about $1,840. The Iridium service was started in Japan in 1998 by Nippon Iridium. However, the company terminated operations in March 2000, after failing to attract users because of the high cost of the phones and subscriptions. Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express The latest information about the Commercial Satellite Industry
Stratos Steps Closer To Xantic Acquisition
Bethesda MD (SPX) Jan 5, 2006Stratos Global recently announced it had taken a step closer toward the completion of the acquisition of Xantic, having received positive advice from the Works' Council in the Netherlands, and executed a definitive agreement to purchase Xantic from KPN and Telstra Corporation. |
|
|
| The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2006 - SpaceDaily.AFP and UPI Wire Stories are copyright Agence France-Presse and United Press International. ESA PortalReports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additionalcopyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement,agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by SpaceDaily on any Web page published or hosted by SpaceDaily. Privacy Statement |
