Magellan Corporation, the leader in satellite-based navigation and communication equipment for consumer and commercial applications, announced today the availability of the GSC 100, the world’s first hand-held, satellite-based global communicator.
Accessing the OrbComm satellite constellation, the portable GSC 100 allows
users, for the first time, to communicate from anywhere on Earth via email
messaging from a hand-held transmitter receiver. Moreover, the GSC 100 is the first hand-held, two-way satellite messaging device to receive type approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission. The GSC 100 also provides integrated positioning and navigation capabilities using the Global Positioning System (GPS) constellation. GSC 100 users will be able to identify their position, plot and navigate a course, and communicate their position or any other information to anyone on Earth who has an email address, voice or fax service.
Unlike traditional land-line, cellular or paging systems, the OrbComm
satellite network facilitates communication to and from isolated parts of the world where conventional systems do not reach. As a result, remote workers, outdoor enthusiasts and international travelers can relay business, recreational and safety information where communications were previously impossible with a hand-held device. For instance, an injured backpacker will be able to email a friend or emergency crew for help and also include his exact latitude and longitude coordinates in the message. Additional future services will allow the GSC 100 to communicate other helpful information such as weather reports and operator assistance as well as provide text-to-voice conversion.
“We are very excited to offer the capabilities that enable consumers to
benefit from the unique advantages of satellite technology,” said Brad
Sherrard, Magellan’s Marketing and Sales Manager for Communications Products. “By integrating communication and navigation technologies into a single, hand-held device, we’re providing the next significant step in the evolution of satellite-based products that are touching all of our lives.”
Global Communications via OrbComm’s Satellite Network
OrbComm’s system uses low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that enable
GSC 100 users to send and receive alphanumeric messages, or “GlobalGrams(SM),” via standard, easy-to-use email interfaces and protocols. When the user sends a GlobalGram, the message travels directly from the GSC 100 to the OrbComm constellation, then is relayed from the satellite to a Gateway Earth Station, and is routed to its final destination, via the Internet. To retrieve messages, GSC 100 users simply turn on the unit, request a message check, and an OrbComm satellite delivers the message(s) to the user.
Communications features of the GSC include the following:
- Email style interface allows you to create, edit, forward, copy and delete data messages
- Save up to 100 messages
- Store up to 150 addresses
- View message status with a push of a button
- Display characters in large, medium and small type sizes
- Include GPS position information in a message
Pricing and Availability
The GSC 100 is available through a variety of dealers located around the
country. To learn of a dealer near you, please contact Magellan at
800-611-7955, ext. 97. Expected street price for the GSC 100 is $999. A
one-time activation fee is $49.95. There is a monthly access charge of $29.95, which includes 10 messages and 30 message checks. After the first ten messages, there is a $.01 charge for each character (alpha or numeric)
included in outgoing messages.
Magellan Corporation
Magellan Corp. is a broad-based satellite access products company offering
an array of products for communication, positioning, navigation and timing. Core business units include Magellan Global Positioning System consumer products, Ashtech brand high-precision geo-positioning products, Magellan wireless communications products, Magellan Driver Information Systems, and technology licensing.
The company was incorporated in 1986, introduced the first hand-held GPS
receiver in 1989, and has sold more than one million GPS satellite navigation devices since that time. In 1994, Magellan was acquired by Orbital Sciences Corporation , a diversified commercial space products company with interests in low-cost launch vehicles, small satellites, avionics, and related services and products. In 1997, Magellan merged with Ashtech Inc., a developer and manufacturer of high-precision positioning and navigation products using GPS and Russia’s GLONASS satellite system.
