Isle of Man based operator Manx Telecom is teaming up with satellite comms provider Globalstar to develop what it claims will be the world’s first service to switch between multiple cellular and a direct-to-user mobile satellite network.

Manx already offers a multiple-operator service called Chameleon, a B2B offering designed for professionals has have to ensure they always have a mobile connection such as rural emergency services. This partnership with Globalstar Europe Satellite to develop Extended Mobile Network (EMN) has been struck with further coverage ubiquity in mind, with satellite as the ultimate fall-back option if no cellular networks are available.

One of the first offerings to be based on EMN will be FRAN – the First Responder Auxiliary Network. “First responders face an ever growing array of operational challenges,” said Jay Monroe CEO of Globalstar. “The EMN solution, incorporating our reliable satellite network, will help ensure that first responders can continuously communicate and help them perform their significant roles more effectively.”

“Together with our partners, we intend to show that satellite communications, combined with Manx Telecom’s flexible Strongest Signal SIM technology, can provide much-needed balance and backup to the emergency communications architecture and dramatically increase overall reliability,” Gary Lamb, CEO of Manx Telecom. “Our firm view is that FRAN can uniquely provide emergency services personnel with communications networks they can rely on, wherever they are, 24/7.”