KDDI Network & Solutions expects an increased demand for the service from local governments and companies as part of efforts to respond more effectively to earthquakes and other natural disasters, the Asahi Shimbun reported Friday.

The mobile phone system operated by Iridium Satellite of the United States is able to cover the Earth's entire surface through 66 orbiting satellites as long as users have no obstruction overhead.

A satellite-based mobile phone can be used in remote areas such as mountains and islands where terrestrial cell phone service is not available.

It also can provide normal service in areas struck by a natural disaster, where terrestrial cell phone services might be overwhel! med by heavy usage.

Subscription fees and other details have yet to be decided, but a phone is expected to cost about $1,840.

The Iridium service was started in Japan in 1998 by Nippon Iridium. However, the company terminated operations in March 2000, after failing to attract users because of the high cost of the phones and subscriptions.

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