Globalstar decommissioning Mt ISA Ground Station

I received the following message from Pivotel recently. I thought it may be useful for those considering the purchase of a sat phone as I assume all current users received the same message as I.

Notice of Intent to Decommission Globalstar Satellite Gateway at Mt Isa, QLD
Pivotel currently operates three satellite gateways, also known as satellite earth stations, to provide duplex voice and data services across the Globalstar Satellite network in Australia and New Zealand. These gateways have been in operation since 2000 and are located in Dubbo NSW, Meekatharra WA and Mt Isa QLD.

Globalstar launched its second generation satellite constellation between 2010 and 2013. The second generation Globalstar satellites are more modern and reliable than the first generation Globalstar satellites; however there are fewer satellites in operation, resulting in lower Globalstar satellite service availability for duplex voice and data services in northern Australia.

The lower service availability has resulted in reduced demand for Globalstar duplex voice and data services in the coverage area provided by the Mt Isa satellite gateway. Higher gateway operating costs together with reduced demand have resulted in the Mt Isa satellite gateway no longer being economically viable.
Pivotel hereby gives notice of its intention to decommission the Mt Isa Gateway on 30th June, 2019.
This change will have no effect on SPOT Satellite Messenger services or Globalstar Simplex Tracking services as these services do not currently utilise the Mt Isa satellite gateway.

From 1st July, 2019, the signal availability will be reduced to the north east of Australia within the coverage area currently supported by the Mt Isa satellite gateway. The affected area approximately equates to all parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory north of the Tropic of Capricorn.



Cheers John