Globalstar, Inc. (Nasdaq:GSAT), Milpitas, Calif., a leading
provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to businesses,
government and individuals, has signed an agreement with Globaltouch
West Africa Limited (GWAL) based in Nigeria. GWAL will offer Globalstar
satellite voice and data services to customers in Nigeria, the
surrounding portions of Western Africa, as well as parts of the coastal
Atlantic and Gulf of Guinea maritime region. GWAL is headquartered in
Lagos, Nigeria, and the new satellite gateway ground station will be
located in Kaduna, Nigeria. Globalstar, Inc. will own 30 percent of the
new venture.
"Today's announcement is just another example of our
ongoing international strategic commitment to further expand and improve
Globalstar's geographic satellite coverage for our roaming
customers working in the region as well as future domestic Nigerian
users", said Tony Navarra, president of Global Operations for
Globalstar, Inc. Mr. Navarra added, "We are very pleased to be
working with GlobalTouch as we continue to expand into new and what we
expect to be economically viable markets. With Nigeria being rich in
oil, natural gas, and other remote natural resources, there is
definitely potential demand for satellite voice and data services,
capable of operating in areas far beyond the reach of terrestrial and
other wireless communications infrastructure."
"Globaltouch West Africa has been working diligently behind
the scenes for many years in an effort to bring satellite services to
Nigeria and the neighboring countries", said Eng I.A. Mohammed,
Managing Director of Globaltouch West Africa Ltd. "We now have all
the necessary regulatory approval and work on the site in Kaduna has
started. We welcome Globalstar's stake in our business and the
expertise they will bring in successfully delivering Globalstar services
in our region. We are planning to commence service in the second half of
2008."
According to the agreement, GWAL will provide satellite two-way
voice and both duplex and simplex data services throughout the region
being covered by the new satellite gateway. Globalstar currently
provides limited satellite services coverage in Northern Africa via two
European satellite gateways located in Turkey and France.
About Globalstar, Inc.
With over 285,000 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.
About Globaltouch (West Africa) Limited
Globaltouch (West Africa) Limited (GWAL) is a Nigerian company
licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to offer Global
Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) in partnership with
Globalstar Inc.
Promoted by a group of private Nigerian investors, Globaltouch is
poised to become a market leader in satellite based telecommunications
services in the Nigerian telecom market described by the International
Telecommunications Union (ITU) as the fastest growing market in the
world. Globaltouch will offer mobile and fixed satellite telephone
services, simplex and duplex data modems and flexible service packages.
Our primary goal is to provide reliable, cost effective communications
for organizations and people no matter where they are located in the
region. Globaltouch will provide communications services in remote areas
where there are little or no cellular services today.
The Globaltouch satellite gateway will be located near Kaduna,
Nigeria and will provide full service coverage to Nigeria and
neighbouring West African countries as well as parts of the coastal
Atlantic and Gulf of Giunea maritime region.
For more information, visit http://www.globaltouchwa.com.
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