Motorola Inc’s proposed $6.1bn M-star network of 72 low earth-orbit satellites (CI No 3,020) will provide a high-speed broadband data network for international companies seeking to link their networks into a global telecommunications infrastructure. The speed of the network may enable companies to monitor company accounts or merchandise throughout the world from one central point. M-star will comprise 43,000 2Mbps E-1 channels, and 1,500 52Mbps OC-1 channels. Motorola says the technology for M-star is ready, but the system will have to await US Federal Communications Commission approval. When approval might be given is uncertain: Motorola filed with the Commission in September, but points out that approval for Iridium took four years. Th e company estimates the network will take four years to build from the time it wins approval. According to Motorola, M-star features key differences from the Iridium satellite project – in which the company is 25% owner and a major contractor. M-star is for high speed data transfer between fixed site locations whereas Iridium is a narrowband satellite project to link individual mobile users. The first satellites for Iridium are scheduled to be launched by the end of January with first services due in September 1998. Motorola says it has approached potential partners for the M-star project with the strongest interest from telecommunications companies. We will be the wholesaler, it will up to the partners and service providers to offer services to companies, it said.
