Completely Connected

Rainer Mauth

Satellite phones provide access to international dial-up phones, fax machines, and data from all over the globe -- but at a price. They are heavy (20 kg) and clumsy when you want to lug one to a remote location. In 1997, satellite-phone devices will weigh a mere 2.6 kg and come in a briefcase. In 1999, next-generation satellite-phone technology will plug into your notebook. At the beginning of the next century, it will come in a hand-held phone.

Nera Telecommunications (Billingstad, Norway) plans to introduce satellite PC Card adapters in 1999. At this time, the Inmarsat B network will provide ISDN bandwidth (128 Kbps) and Group 3 fax capabilities (64 Kbps), as well as voice-mail services. Nera officials say you will be able to buy a combined GSM/satellite adapter for slight ly more than a standard GSM card, and the communications costs should fall to about $1.75 per minute. At those rates, who would ever question whether to check their E-mail while in the Himalaya mountains?

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Global Satellite Mobile Phones: Future Connections

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The weight of satellite equipment decreases as the bandwidth of the satellite network increases. Nera Telecommunications plans to have satellite PC Card adapters on the market in 1999. In 2002, business travelers will be able to use the same hand-held satellite phones from anywhere on the earth.