Saudi Globalstar has announced that its activation rate for its comprehensive Kingdomwide coverage service is now at SR800, matching the new standard connection charge for all mobile users. Subscribers can now access both the Saudi Globalstar satellite service and the Al-Jawwal network with the same dual-mode handset for the price of one service.
The new rate means that even in areas where a GSM network is unavailable subscribers can now make calls with Saudi Globalstar handsets to anywhere in the Kingdom and beyond for the same start-up costs as GSM.
"This really does open up choice for consumers," said Mohab Joukhdar, a spokesman for Saudi Globalstar. "For anyone working in remote areas of the Kingdom, or for people that want the convenience and confidence of unbroken telephone communications whenever they need it, Saudi Globalstar provides a solution that is within everyone's reach."
When using a Saudi Globalstar handset from even the remotest areas where there are no landline or mobile telephone networks, signals are transmitted to a minimum of two and up to three of the 48 Globalstar satellites.
The satellites, like a mirror, bounce the signals back down to the Saudi Globalstar gateway outside Riyadh, where they are combined for unrivalled clarity and strength, said Joukhdar.
The user is then connected to the STC telephone network, which then routes the call to its destination. This results in an almost zero dropout rate on calls. All transmissions are digital, utilising Qualcomm CDMA technology, which is exclusive to Globalstar satellite communications.
If making clear calls in a built-up city becomes difficult, users can switch over to the Globalstar network using the same Saudi Globalstar handset (Telit and Ericsson), he explained.
"Saudi Globalstar extends mobile telephone services to all areas of the Kingdom, accessible to everyone who wants to stay in touch wherever they are. Saudi Globalstar complements STC's services exceptionally well by connecting our customers to their network from anywhere in the Kingdom. We are at the forefront of the communications industry, offering unrivalled coverage, call quality, and reliability," said Joukhdar.
Saudi Globalstar is a 100 per cent Saudi-owned company that brings immediate access to companies and individuals in the country where no public telephone network or GSM service exists.
It provides solutions for companies in the Kingdom where worldwide access from even the remotest areas is essential and for mobile users who want the confidence of an unbroken service.
