GLOBALSTAR RECEIVES INITIAL AUTHORITY FOR NEW ALASKA SATELLITE GROUND STATION

Globalstar, Inc., a world leader in providing mobile satellite voice and data services to business, announced today it has received temporary FCC operating authority to proceed with the opening of its sixth North American satellite ground station or gateway. The new satellite gateway, which is located in Wasilla, Alaska, will provide Globalstar voice and data customers with access to the ground based public telephone and data networks plus it will provide the company’s customers with the added advantage of activating their multi mode satellite phones and data modems with a local 907 Alaska area code.

Although Globalstar has offered satellite coverage in the region since 2000, the opening of the new gateway will provide enhanced coverage throughout much of Alaska, northwestern British Columbia, the Yukon as well as the Bering Sea and northern Pacific maritime region. The FCC used its power to grant a special temporary authority to enable Globalstar to operate the gateway while it processes the company’s application to operate the facility permanently.

“We are extremely pleased, for this initial approval provides us with the needed licensing authority to test and open our Alaska gateway”, said Jay Monroe, Chairman and CEO of Globalstar, Inc. Mr. Monroe added, “This satellite gateway represents a multi million investment in the Alaska marketplace and we are proud that the facility is about to be completed ahead of schedule. Many of our customers along with our distribution partners throughout Alaska and the surrounding region, are very excited about the anticipated opening and the enhancements it will provide to our high quality voice and data services.”

In preparation for the gateway opening, Globalstar dealers have been promoting Globalstar satellite service with a special offer for customers in Alaska. Any Alaska business or resident, who activates a satellite phone on an annual Globalstar service plan prior to July 15th, may be eligible to receive a 50% discount off their access charges. New Alaska customers will also benefit from the elimination of roaming fees, which Globalstar recently introduced with its new US and Canadian rate plans. The new Alaska gateway will become operational on June 30th.

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