Beat ya, djane - na,na nana. biz.yahoo.com
AirTouch Satellite Services Signs First U.S. Distributors
\266 AirTouch Cellular, Airstar, GMPCS, O'Gara, and The Wireless Store to Provide Globalstar Satellite-Based Communications Service in the U.S.
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 22, 1999-- AirTouch Satellite Services, Inc. (ATSS, a subsidiary of Vodafone AirTouch Plc. NYSE: VOD) announced that it completed agreements under which AirTouch Cellular, Airstar Communications, GMPCS Personal Communications, O'Gara Satellite Systems, and The Wireless Store will sell Globalstar handsets, accessories, and service.
These distributors will supply Globalstar service to a wide variety of customers across the United States. In addition, they will be involved in customer service and product training. Their experience in launching new wireless products and services will contribute to the successful Globalstar service launch expected in 4Q '99 in North America.
Mike Kerr, vice president & general manager of AirTouch Satellite Services, Inc. said, ''Our distributors will make Globalstar available to both industry-specific customers such as oil & gas companies, as well as existing cellular customers interested in expanding their communications capabilities across North America. They will provide customers with high quality, personalized service and customized communications solutions.''
The Globalstar system will provide high quality, affordable mobile satellite voice and short message services via a small hand-held phone. The multi-mode phone will operate in traditional cellular modes (using the local cellular networks), or satellite mode when located beyond cellular coverage. When in satellite mode, the phone will communicate with several of the 48 Globalstar satellites that relay the signal to the nearest earth station and inter-connect to the local telephone system or private networks.
AirTouch Satellite Services, Inc. is a subsidiary of Vodafone AirTouch Plc. which has Globalstar service provider rights in 12 countries across North America, Europe, and Asia, including Australia, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, and the United States. Vodafone AirTouch is the world's largest wireless communications firm, based in the United Kingdom. It has mobile operations in 24 countries on five continents, with more than 28 million proportionate cellular customers. For more information, visit www.airtouch.com/globalstar.
AirTouch Cellular serves 9 million U.S. cellular and PCS customers on a proportionate basis. Its ventures operate in 25 states and 22 of the top 30 U.S. markets, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle.
Airstar focuses on the LEO (low-earth orbit) mobile communications business and has a background in both cellular and digital broadcast systems (DBS). Airstar serves customers in the aviation, maritime, and sports & leisure markets in North America.
GMPCS Personal Communications Inc. is a full service provider of mobile satellite communications solutions to companies and individuals worldwide. GMPCS specializes in sales and service to the United States and Latin America.
O'Gara Satellite Systems is an experienced supplier of custom-designed communications systems, including fixed, portable, and mobile solutions. Their customers range from corporations, government entities, and individuals needing secure and remote satellite communications systems.
The Wireless Store is an established marketer of wireless telecommunications products and services in Southeast Texas. The company's inside and outside sales teams serve both businesses and consumers.
Regards, Dave
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