Fueling rumors of a possible partnership with one of two bankrupt satellite phone companies, Teledesic said Monday that it is looking for ways to accelerate its entry into the satellite communications industry.

Teledesic, which is backed by Motorola, intends to provide global Internet and data services through a global satellite network, though the company has yet to launch any of its planned 288 satellites into orbit. It hopes to have full operation by 2004.

Spokespersons for Iridium and Motorola said they were not aware of any discussions between the two companies.

But Teledesic co-CEO Bill Owens said in a statement Monday that the company "has decided to explore a variety of early-entry opportunities that will help us fulfill our long-term vision of delivering global, broadband communications services."

"Despite current conditions in the satellite communications reference," Owens said, suggesting a reference to the bankruptcy filings of Iridum and ICO Global Communications, a UK-based global-mobile firm, "Teledesic is in an enviable position."

He added that the company will "evaluate early-entry opportunities" with Motorola. Motorola also has a minority stake in Iridium.

Roger Nyhus, a spokesman for Teledesic, would only say the company is "in discussions with a variety of players in the market," though he would not name which.

Meanwhile, an analyst for Gerard Klauer Mattison & Co., Charles A. Disanza, said a possible partnership between Iridium and Teledesic could save overall costs for the companies.

"If there is an easy way to combine them, it would be good because it would save on the investment," Disanza said.

Iridium's satellite network, which was built to carry voice signals, might also be able to send data signals for the Teledesic network.

Teledesic has raised more than $1.5 billion from investors such as Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, The Boeing Company, and Motorola.

ICO offices were closed at the time of this article.