The ultimate portable-phone plan
Article Abstract:
Motorola Inc is planning a global cellular telephone network called Iridium that involves launching 77 satellites into space by the the year 1997 for an international satellite communications system. Motorola obtained the rights to radio frequencies from international authorities but must also seek approval from the Federal Communications Commission. Cost estimates have increased from an originally scheduled $2.3 billion to $3.1 billion. The satellites would remain 500 miles above the earth and would last up to five years each on average. Motorola estimates that the cellular phone market will continue to grow, resulting in 1.8 million Iridium customers by the year 2000. If the system works, it will allow people to use pocket telephones anywhere on the earth. Motorola plans to invest $150 million in the system and hopes to find other interested companies to help raise the additional capital.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1992
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As technology makes wiretaps more difficult, F.B.I. seeks help
Article Abstract:
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) needs help in its efforts to eavesdrop and wiretap conversations on digital telecommunications telephone lines. The US government is addressing the FBI's needs by proposing legislation that would require telephone companies to help the FBI with technical information about wiretapping. In the past, when most phone lines used analog signals, the FBI had no trouble accessing phone lines with alligator clips and other devices. Today's telephone network relies heavily on digital transmission and fiber optics, which make it far more difficult to pinpoint specific calls. There are approximately 140 million telephone lines in he US; 1,083 wiretaps were authorized by the legal system in 1990. Some analysts are afraid that new regulations could give the FBI too much access to private phone conversations.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1992
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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