April/May 2003

A tracking system suitable for freight containers and wagons or fixed assets is due to be launched in Europe later this summer by Globalstar, one of the leading US-based satellite communication specialists.

It is described as a "very-low-cost" system, and is built round a simplex (one-way) modem that fits in the palm of a hand. For high-volume users, the modem price could be "about $60", and the air time charge could be between $1 and $20 per vehicle per month.

Globalstar is a leading supplier of satellite telephones. It operates its own network of 48 low-earth orbit (LEO) communication satellites, and claims this covers 80 per cent of the earth's surface. The new system is currently undergoing trials in the US on 400 mobile units, and is expected to be brought to Europe later.

Globalstar, like rivals such as Alcatel and Qualcomm, avoids reliance on the GPS satellite network for location, and has its own communications capability, so is relatively independent of local comms facilities in given operating areas.

 

The company says the new system is also ideal for activities such as monitoring gas pipeline pressure or the fill status of remote fuel tanks. The modem can be programmed to send status reports at set intervals.