Technology - September 2000

“See You on the Phone”

Body Language Goes Global at Global Communications

by Kathleen Foley

Those of us old enough to remember dial telephones may have a hard time believing that a practical version of the Jetsons’ video phone is actually available today. Matt Matson, founder and CEO of Global Communications, Inc., is bringing the video phone along with a whole gamut of 21^st technology to Nevada households and businesses. Besides an array of multipurpose telephone/computer appliances, the Las Vegas-based corporation provides high-speed broadband connection for Internet and Intranet access and long-distance phone service. Global Communications combines two new technologies, fiber optics and wireless microwave, to bring a wireless connection to any home or business at a minimum bandwidth of 4.5 megabits (more than eight times faster than cable modem).

According to Matson, household applications for the new technology are limitless: see and hear your grandchild’s first words; visually receive medical advice from your doctor without an office visit. It can be adapted for whole-house visual security with the addition of small cameras in strategic areas of your house If your child’s day care provider has this system, you can call their computer and visually check on your child. It can also be used as a standard telephone, with the broadband connection serving as a long-distance carrier. Calls within Nevada are free, according to Matson, and all out-of-state calls cost only one dollar each. "We are the cheapest voice-grade carrier in the U.S.," he claimed, "And fiber optic technology means a clear, crisp signal every time."

Global’s flagship product, the Millenium II, is designed for use in the home as a multi-purpose appliance combining video phone, computer, Internet access, television, movie rental source, and classroom. Contained within a very thin case, it resembles one of the flat screen computer monitors now available at a premium price at retailers, but with one important difference-all the equipment is contained within the picture frame- sized monitor. The big box or tower containing the brains of the standard desk-top computer is no longer necessary. How much can this "appliance" contain in such a small space? Here’s the short list: 12.5" plasma, full-color screen with touch screen feature; 20 gig, quad-partitioned hard drive; CD read/write and DVD player; 500 MHz power source; 128 mgs of RAM; USB port; and SmartCard reader for debit and credit cards. As a computer, it can run its own software packages or any software of your own. As a server, it can provide local area networking (LAN) within the home for extension videophones, as well as smart controllers to control the home’s lights, air conditioning and other activities. It has full send/receive fax and email capabilities.

Global manufactures several larger units for business use. The Aquarius models range from a 17.5 inch screen to a 50" screen which doubles as a markerless, touchscreen whiteboard. These models can send faxes, and can print or email images or data. They can also link the screen to Excel or Powerpoint applications. Global’s largest product, the Visionwall, can be as large as 300 square feet and display 364 real time images in a full bi-directional format. These units allow business colleagues in several different cities across the globe to attend virtual conferences, trainings or meetings, seeing and speaking with each other in real time. Employers can interview applicants face-to-face in another part of the country. Doctors performing surgery can answer questions from an audience viewing the operation from remote locations.

For hotel and resort applications, Global’s Concierge unit, which resembles the Millenium II model, can be hooked up to the hotel’s PBX system, allowing guests to have face-to-face contact with the front desk, spa, or valet. Because the person on the receiving end of the call sees the caller first (what Matson describes as "Visual Caller ID"), the hotel representative can greet the caller by name.

The units are not sold to the public, but are available for a monthly rental fee which includes software, service/maintenance and upgrades, communication hookup and monthly communication costs (unlimited access to the Internet and also to Global’s Intranet 6.0). No long-term contracts are required, according to Matson, who explained, "We are offering the quickest, most cutting-edge technology, which gives us an advantage, but what really we’re counting on is that people will realize it’s going to be the cheapest way to go. By using our service, they can eliminate what they’re now paying for standard phone lines, computer payments, Internet access, long distance charges, computer repair, software upgrades, and even late fees on videos."

Nevada Broadband, Inc. is handling distribution and retail sales for Global’s products and services. They recently opened a retail store on West Sahara Avenue in Las Vegas, with two more planned by the end of the year, and five more during 2001, according to Nevada Broadband CEO Jon Fondy. Service will start in the Reno/Carson area in October with multiple retail outlets.

Besides connecting clients to the Internet, Global also provides access to 16 exclusive Intranet networks for entertainment, information and shopping. "Intranet 6.0 is the step beyond the Internet," said Matson, who uses animation equipment, audio and video mixers, and a full TV sound stage to produce infomercials, short films and promotional programs for the service. Channels available on Intranet 6.0 include the Senior Network, the Game Network, the Job Network, the Sports Network and several others.

Global’s $11 million, 55,000 square foot facility on West Russell Road contains offices, video production studios, research and development labs, a product assembly area and a warehouse. Construction is currently underway at the facility on a prototype of Space Station Alpha (see photo). Schools which agree to bring their students to tour the Space Station will receive an appliance with free access to all its features. Matson envisions the day when all schools can communicate with each other over videophones.

Kathleen Foley
Kathleen Foley is a freelance writer based in Southern Nevada.