• QUALCOMM has designed, developed, and manufactured production Globalstar handsets. QUALCOMM manufactures a Globalstar GSP-1600 Portable Tri-Mode Satellite Phone that users can switch from terrestrial cellular analog (AMPS) to digital cellular (CDMA) networks to the Globalstar satellite network. This allows users to make or receive calls outside of cellular coverage areas. In addition, QUALCOMM offers the Globalstar GSP-2800/2900 Fixed Satellite Phones--an innovative wireless solution for the quick and efficient installation of a communications link for "hard to reach" subscribers in a fixed location.

• The GlobalStar GSP-1600 Portable Tri-Mode Satellite Phone works like a cellular phone wherever cellular service is available, both in analog and digital mode in addition to satellite mode. The GSP-1600 phone will switch to satellite mode when the user is out of cellular range, or when the phone's satellite antenna is extended.
  
  The phone does work inside buildings when in cellular mode. However, in satellite mode, the user must have direct line-of-sight with GlobalStar satellites, away from buildings or large structures.

• The GlobalStar satellite phones which use CDMA digital technology provides digital voice services with better clarity, quality, and privacy than land-based analog cellular systems.

• Click here to see a picture.

GLOBALSTAR SERVICE QUESTIONS

• There are a variety of services currently provided or scheduled to be provided by the Globalstar Network.
  • Voice
  • Short Message Service (SMS)
  • Caller ID
  • Voice Mail Service (VMS)

• Plans are structured similar to cellular pricing plans. GlobalStar phone prices can be seen on the GSP-1600 page and the GSP-2900 page. For more information about GLobalStar rates, click here.

USAGE QUESTIONS

• The call always goes through a Gateway. The Globalstar constellation does not use satellite-to-satellite links.

• Yes, the GSP-1600 phone can be used in a GSM service area only when in Globalstar mode. The Globalstar system provides a global roaming capability.

• To make a Globalstar mode call while in a vehicle, the user needs to install a Globalstar Hands-Free Car Kit. When the GSP-1600 phone is in the hands-free cradle, the phone is connected to the kit's externally mounted Globalstar antenna which provides a line-of-site signal to the satellite. The car kit also provides power to the phone for a stronger signal. Cellular calls can be made without the car kit. As an option, it is possible to connect a cellular antenna for cellular reception with the car kit.

• Yes, Globalstar offers data services (up to 9.6 kbps throughput) with the GSP-1600. Click here for more details.

• Send a Satellite Message Now!

BATTERY QUESTIONS

• The amount of battery time depends on the two conditions:
  1. The mode that the GSP-1600 phone is in; and
  2. Whether the battery is being used for talk or in standby mode.
     
     

     Talk Time/Standby Time
     Service Mode	Talk Time	Standby Time
     Globalstar satellite	3.5 hours	9 hours
     Digital	4.5 hours	72 hours
     Analog	2.5 hours	14 hours

• To maximize battery life, set the backlight option to off (see GSP-1600 Tri-Mode Phone User's Guide, Preferences Menu, page 38).

SUPPORT QUESTIONS

• Review the Troubleshooting documentation.
• Review the printed documentation that came with your phone.
• Call for assistance.