Satellite services for land mobile applications were originally targeted at geographic areas that other systems are not able to reach. However, dual-mode GSM/satellite systems are under development and other digital cellular technologies are expected to follow suit. The global services currently operational offer two-way data transmission and location applications designed for the goods haulage sector.

• The OmniTRACS network from Qualcomm in the USA.
• The EutelTRACS service operated by Alcatel/Qualcomm in Europe.
• An OmniTRACS service in Asia.
• Inmarsat-C.

Because of the size of some countries it is to be expected that there are some national satellite systems reaching out to remote communities. They are to be found in those nations where the size and terrain require such a solution. For example, both Australia and Japan operate such services. Worldwide there are less than 250,000 users of global satellite systems for land mobile applications, of which almost 200,000 are in the USA on the Qualcomm OmniTRACS system. (Source: Qualcomm Feb. 1997).

There are a number of projects for global and regional systems. The following statements are based on available information and are by no means certain future projections.

• Afro-Asian Satellite Communications is targeted at personal communications and service is expected in March 1998. It will launch two satellites and install earth stations in Bombay and Gibraltar.
  
• Asia Cellular System has a schedule for services for Asia Pacific and parts of Russia expected to be operational by the end of 1988. Dual mode GSM and satellite terminals are being developed under contract by Ericsson.
  
• Asia Pacific Mobile Telecommunications plans operations for fixed services in remote areas as well as mobile communications applications, with service expected in 1998.
  
• Globalstar is planning a global network for 1998 with 48 low earth orbiting satellites and designed to offer mobile voice and data, GPS and paging services.
  
• Motorola is developing the Iridium* network as a global facility and due to be operational by 1998. Plans include 66 satellites in low orbit with around one million subscribers expected by 2000.
  
• The Orbcom network under development by Magellan Systems/Orbital Communications using 26 low orbit satellites. It is expected to be designed to offer emergency signals, GPS and email globally, with a message data capacity likely to be limited to 250 characters.
  
• Odyssey which was founded by TRW, a satellite builder and the Canadian operator, Teleglobe.
  
• ICO Global Communications expects services by 2000. It is planned by Inmarsat-P as a global service by the end of the 1990s which is expected to incorporate messaging capability.