Motorola, broadsided by the digital era, struggles for a footing; the latest Galvin at the top attempts a turnaround; some doubt his ability: peace among the warring tribes

Article Abstract:

Mistakes and internal problems are threatening Motorola's leadership in wireless phones manufacturing. The company still holds the No. 1 position in the domestic market, but analysts and competitors estimate that Motorola's share has dwindled approximately 30% since 1995 to slightly above one-third of the industry's sales. Motorola's worldwide share, meanwhile, has declined to less than one-third of all wireless network systems. Motorola, which failed to foresee an industry switch from its analog devices to digital cell phones, challenges the numbers but declines to supply its own findings. Galvin, CEO of Motorola since Jan 1997, attributes some of the problems to external forces including weakened demand in Japan and Southeast Asia as well as more efficiency among US paging companies. He also blasted Motorola's traditional 'warring tribes,' in which groups competed for funding and support from headquarters, as increasingly counterproductive.

Cellular Mobile Tel Equip, Management, Cellular telephones, Wireless telephones, Market share, Smart phone, Smart phones, Company market share, Galvin, Christopher B.

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Motorola plans vast satellite program that may bolster commercial rocketry

Article Abstract:

Motorola hopes to construct up to 500 or more communications satellites between 2000 and 2010. The eight programs could make a significant impact on the commercial-rocketry industry. Motorola, which disclosed its plans to several companies for rocket-launch services, may include scores of launches. Single rockets dominated most private launch contracts until the 1990s. Motorola also is gambling that its new strategy will force launch-industry rivals to drop their launch prices by up to 80%. Motorola intends to lower its launch costs from $10,000 a pound to about $2,000 a pound, according to Jack Scanlon, president and GM of Motorola's cellular networks and space sector. Scanlon said Motorola's mass-manufacturing techniques on the 66-satellite Iridium network reduced satellite construction costs by more than 80%. A larger question surrounds justifying demand for so many future satellites.

Product information, Satellite launch services industry, Company product planning

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Orbcomm's potential gives Orbital sciences a boost; company aims to be the first fully operating low-orbit satellite system

Article Abstract:

Orbcomm Global has two low orbite satellites in space and plans to add 26 more by Mar 1998. The company offers remote monitoring and two-way data transmission to the seven customers that it currently services. Orbcomm's goal is to become the first low-orbit constellation of satellites fully in service. In the first nine months of 1996 the company experienced a loss of $14.1 million with only $1.3 million in revenue. Orbcomm expects to be profitable within nine months of having all 28 of its satellites in orbit. The company plans to profit from international sales, as its competitors are facing higher costs and should not become profitable for a number of years. Orbcomm's service will be offered at a low cost, as they will have some of the most inexpensive satellites available.

Services, Satellite communications services industry, ORBCOMM Global L.P.

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