Globalstar introduced May 31 Express Data, a subscription-based service that allows users to send e-mail, transfer files and browse the Internet two to five times faster than the 9.6 kilobits per second that Globalstar currently offers. Company Spokesman Fintan Robb said the speed improvement depends on the applications.

The service will be offered at no additional charge as part of higher-end subscription plans and at an additional $9.95 to lower-end plans. Customers with the Globalstar GSP- 1600 handheld phone or the GSP-2900 fixed phone, a Globalstar data kit, or a Globalstar vehicle kit will be able to use from the Express Data service.