telephones, keeping them in constant contact, no matter where they go.

Bermuda's telephone company has signed a service provider agreement with Globalstar, L.P. which establishes the Bermuda Telephone Company, Limited as the exclusive service provider for Globalstar, here and in the Azores.

Telco said that obtaining the Globalstar franchise for the Azores offered the company access to a larger customer base and, consequently, would contribute to corporate growth.

Globalstar has signed up more than 90 countries, offering voice, data and facsimile services via the company's low-earth-orbit (LEO) system starting in June 1998.

A general partner of Globalstar L.P. is Bermuda-based Globalstar Telecommunications Ltd.

The system will provide telephone services for global travellers and provide service in those areas that lack cellular or land line coverage.

The $2.2-billion system is comprised of 48 LEO satellites and a worldwide system of ground stations. It is designed to use the existing terrestrial infrastructure and to complement personal communications services (PCS) carriers by providing services in areas where there is no coverage.

Telco president, Dr. James King said, " It is significant for The Bermuda Telephone Company to have established an alliance to provide PCS services with the leading global direct satellite telephony provider.'' Dr. King said the company is strategically and technologically positioned to participate in the next wave of telecommunications service evolution to occur within the next decade.