station in Singapore and distribute Globalstar satellite solutions
MILPITAS, Calif., May 15 /-/ -- Globalstar, Inc. (Nasdaq: GSAT), a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to businesses, government, and individuals, announced today that it has entered into a strategic alliance with Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel), Asia's leading communications group. As part of the alliance, SingTel will construct and operate a Globalstar gateway ground station at its Seletar Satellite earth Station facility in Singapore. The ground station will expand Globalstar's satellite coverage throughout Singapore and Malaysia, as well as parts of Indonesia, Brunei, and the surrounding Southeast Asian maritime shipping region.
The agreement is the initial step needed for Globalstar to offer service with SingTel via the Seletar Earth Station. Globalstar will provide the necessary engineering and technical training support required for SingTel to operate the station. In addition, the agreement paves the way for both companies to deliver tracking and trace solutions for the maritime and logistics industries, using the Globalstar Simplex data network.
"All of us at Globalstar are extremely excited about this new relationship with SingTel and we anticipate this is simply the beginning of a long relationship that will bring our mobile satellite data services to the region," said Tony Navarra, President of Global Operations for Globalstar, Inc. Mr. Navarra added, "This is not only an agreement to operate one of our gateway ground stations but more importantly is part of an overall strategic sales and marketing alliance. Southeast Asia is one of the world's fastest growing economic regions and the Strait of Malacca is one of the world's most important shipping lanes. Because of the heavy maritime traffic, the region is particularly suited to Globalstar's ability to provide voice, data and asset tracking and monitoring services beyond the reach of traditional land based wireless infrastructure. Globalstar provides a wide variety of services to maritime customers throughout much of the world and together with SingTel, we look forward to expanding our market and providing those same quality services throughout much of Southeast Asia."
"We are delighted that Globalstar has chosen SingTel to manage and to operate its gateway in Southeast Asia," said Mr. Titus Yong, Head of SingTel Satellite. "This reflects the confidence that global satellite operators have in SingTel as an experienced and leading Communications Company in Asia. We look forward to supporting and enhancing the connectivity provided by Globalstar services in the region.
"I am confident that this alliance will leverage on both companies' expertise to jointly develop innovative solutions."
SingTel is also in discussion with Globalstar concerning the possibility of constructing a second satellite gateway within the region.
About Globalstar, Inc.
With over 250,000 activated satellite voice and data units, Globalstar offers satellite services to commercial and recreational users in more than 120 countries around the world. The Company's voice and data 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 tracking, data monitoring and SCADA applications.
For more information regarding Globalstar, please visit Globalstar's web site at http://www.globalstar.com
About SingTel
SingTel is Asia's leading communications group with operations and investments in more than 20 countries and territories around the world. Serving both the corporate and consumer markets, it is committed to bringing the best of global communications to customers in the Asia Pacific and beyond. With significant operations in Singapore and Australia (through wholly-owned subsidiary SingTel Optus), the Group provides a comprehensive portfolio of services that include voice and data services over fixed, wireless and Internet platforms.
In Singapore, SingTel has had more than 125 years of operating experience and has played an integral part in the development of the city as a major communications hub in the region. In Australia, Optus serves more than six million customers. It has driven the competition as the challenger brand and led the way in technological innovations and breakthroughs.
Over the years, SingTel has grown to be a global player with a strong regional heritage. With one of the most extensive and advanced telecommunications infrastructure, the Group offers unparalleled reach in Asia and beyond.
The Group's other major investments in the region include Advanced Info Service of Thailand, the Bharti Telecom Group of India, Globe Telecom of the Philippines, PBTL of Bangladesh and Telkomsel of Indonesia. Together with its regional partners, SingTel is Asia's largest multi-market mobile operator, serving more than 100 million customers in seven markets.
Safe Harbor Language for Globalstar Releases
This press release contains certain statements such as "The ground station will expand Globalstar's satellite coverage throughout Singapore and Malaysia, as well as parts of Indonesia, Brunei, and the surrounding Southeast Asian maritime shipping region," that are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Globalstar's control, including demand for the Company's products and services; problems relating to the construction, launch or in-orbit performance of its existing and future satellites, problems relating to the ground-based facilities operated by it or by independent gateway operators; its ability to attract sufficient additional funding if needed to meet its future capital requirements; competition and its competitiveness vis-a-vis other providers of satellite and ground-based communications products and services; the pace and effects of industry consolidation; the continued availability of launch insurance on commercially reasonable terms, and the effects of any insurance exclusions; changes in technology; its ability to continue to attract and retain qualified personnel; worldwide economic, geopolitical and business conditions and risks associated with doing business on a global basis; and legal, regulatory, and tax developments, including changes in domestic and international government regulation.
Any forward-looking statements made in this press release speak as of the date made and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results or developments may differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any such statements. Additional information on factors that could influence Globalstar's financial results is included in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.
