Globalstar Canada was granted approval by Industry Canada to provide mobile wireless services throughout Canada using the Globalstar satellite-based telecommunications system. It is the first big low-earth-orbit license to be granted in Canada, the company said.
The service is part of Globalstar L.P., a system of 48 LEO satellites designed to provide global mobile communications. The first launch of Globalstar satellites is scheduled for this fall. Full global service is expected to be ready in late 1998, the company said.
Globalstar Canada is majority owned and controlled by Canadian Satellite Communications Inc., and the remaining interest is held by AirTouch Satellite Services Inc. and Loral Space & Communications Ltd.
