Globalstar Announces Preparation of New Second Generation Satellites
Globalstar Prepares for Launch of Second-Generation Satellites
Installation of Telemetry Control Unit Gateway Upgrades Helps Pave Way for Summertime Launch of New Constellation Satellites
Globalstar, Inc. (Nasdaq:GSAT – News), a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to businesses, governments and consumers, today announced that in preparation for the upcoming launches of its new second-generation satellites the Company has commenced installation of satellite telemetry control unit (TCU) upgrades. The hardware and software upgrades provided by Thales Alenia Space are being installed at strategically located Globalstar gateway ground stations in Argentina, Australia, Botswana, France, Korea and the United States. These initial pre-launch upgrades will provide Globalstar with the capability to globally monitor and control the orbital deployment of its new second-generation satellite constellation which is scheduled for launch beginning this summer.
“The TCU gateway upgrades represent a significant milestone for the company as we prepare for the launch of our new satellites,” said Peter Dalton, Chief Executive Officer, Globalstar, Inc. “We anticipate that 2010 will be a game-changing year for Globalstar. We expect to continue introducing new consumer Simplex solutions such as the new satellite GPS communicator we announced jointly with DeLorme last week at the Consumer Electronics Show. Of equal significance, these planned gateway upgrades help pave the way for the launch and management of our new satellites and all the potential associated with our next-generation constellation. Once deployed we will not only continue building upon our reputation as the leading provider of high-quality consumer Simplex satellite GPS and messaging products, but also re-focus our energies on providing world-class two-way satellite voice and duplex data solutions.”
Once the satellites are deployed and operational, the TCU upgrades will also provide Globalstar with the enhanced ability to communicate with and monitor the condition of its new constellation from the Company’s two satellite operations and control center locations in California. The new satellites are expected to provide Globalstar customers with enhanced next-generation and legacy global satellite services beyond 2025.
The new Globalstar gateway upgrades are being provided by Thales Alenia Space. Globalstar also signed an agreement with Thales Alenia Space in November of 2006 for the design, manufacture and delivery of up to 48 new Globalstar second-generation satellites. Globalstar expects to complete the TCU gateway upgrades and begin taking delivery of its new satellites in the spring.
About Globalstar, Inc.
With over 375,000 subscribers, Globalstar is the world’s largest provider of mobile satellite voice and data services. Globalstar offers these services to commercial and recreational users in more than 120 countries around the world. The Company’s products include mobile and fixed satellite telephones, simplex and duplex satellite data modems and flexible service packages. Many land based and maritime industries benefit from Globalstar with increased productivity from remote areas beyond cellular and landline service. Global customer segments include: oil and gas, government, mining, forestry, commercial fishing, utilities, military, transportation, heavy construction, emergency preparedness, and business continuity as well as individual recreational users. Globalstar data solutions are ideal for various asset and personal tracking, data monitoring and SCADA applications.
For more information regarding Globalstar, please visit Globalstar’s web site at www.globalstar.com
