Globalstar L.P. [GSTRF] has introduced service in Russia, beginning the process of bringing mobile satellite phone service to virtually every corner of the vast country, where many communities have little or no access to even basic telephony.

GlobalTel, the exclusive provider of Globalstar service in Russia, is providing basic telephone service, voice mail and short messaging service and plans to offer fax and data services early next year.

Initially, service is being run through GlobalTel’s Moscow gateway. Later this quarter, it will open gateways in Novosibirsk and Khabarovsk, which will extend service from the Baltic Sea to the Pacific Ocean.

GlobalTel will market Globalstar service through a sales office in Moscow and regional service providers and distributors. The company is a partnership led by Rostelcom, the Russian long distance domestic and international carrier.

Globalstar phones are being sold at the equivalent of $999, with usage rates between $1.19 and $1.99 per minute. In addition to covering nearly all of Russia’s land area, Globalstar will provide service for vessels up to 200 miles from its coast.