<A> LCC International, Inc. Secures $115 Million Services Contract
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Contract calls for LCC to perform turn-key design and deployment services for XM Satellite
Radio's supplemental terrestrial repeater network
MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 18, 1999-- LCC International, Inc. (NASDAQ:LCCI - news), one of the
world's largest RF engineering and system deployment services firms with integrated tower ownership capabilities, today
announced a contract with XM Satellite Radio Inc. (''XM'') for the design and deployment of XM's terrestrial repeater
network.
XM is developing a new brand of radio. The system will use direct satellite-to-receiver broadcasting technology to provide
listeners in their cars and at home with up to 100 channels of digital radio from coast-to-coast. The repeater network will
supplement XM's high-powered satellite signals. Recently, XM successfully completed tests of its repeater technology in
Washington, DC, and Erlangen, Germany.
The contract, valued at approximately $115 million, designates LCC as the prime contractor for the implementation of XM's
terrestrial repeater sites.
Services to be performed include RF engineering design, network deployment management, site acquisition, architectural and
engineering, zoning, site construction, regulatory services, network management testing, network coverage testing and interim
system maintenance.
Commenting on the project, C. Thomas Faulders III, LCC's Chairman and CEO said, ''This is a tremendous opportunity for
LCC. Not only did XM award us this contract based upon a rigorous set of technical criteria, but it is also a great match
between XM's needs and our experience and capabilities. We see this contract as the start of a close partnership and we will
work with XM to satisfy the demanding requirements of its network.''
Hugh Panero, XM Satellite Radio's president and chief executive officer, said, ''The award of this contract is well deserved.
LCC is an extremely capable supplier with extensive experience in terrestrial network deployment. We are happy to have such
a versatile and experienced partner concentrating on the technical needs of our network so that the XM team can stay focused
on our mission of creating a cutting-edge entertainment company.''
As the prime contractor for all aspects of development and implementation of the expansive network, LCC will leverage its
historical nationwide deployment skill set and ability to implement new technologies under rigorous circumstances as the
Company demonstrated in projects such the design and optimization of nationwide GSM networks for Mannesman Mobilfunk
of Germany, France Telecom and Optus' of Australia and domestic deployments of similar scope for Pacific Bell and Nextel
Communications.
Mr. Faulders continued, ''We are thrilled that XM has chosen LCC to be the exclusive provider of technical services for the
design and deployment of their network. The entire LCC team is anxious and motivated to help make XM's unique and
dynamic network a reality. Among other things, this contract will significantly contribute to LCC's growth and profitability
goals.''
In February and again in June, LCC was engaged to perform preliminary RF design, site acquisition, zoning and construction
analysis, and to determine deployment and leasing requirements for XM's network.
Work commenced under these interim service agreements will now be turned into full deployment activities. The initial site
planning is complete and implementation work will continue to progress.
XM intends to offer up to 100 channels of crystal-clear, digital-quality music, news, sports, talk and children's programming to
listeners in their cars and at home for $9.95 a month. It plans to begin commercial operations in the second quarter of 2001.
XM will beam its coast-to-coast service from two Hughes HS 702 satellites, the most powerful commercial satellites on order
today, to XM-capable radios equipped with a small antenna. XM has signed agreements for the manufacture and distribution of
AM/FM/XM radios with Alpine Electronics, Delphi Delco, Pioneer Electronic Corporation and the Sharp Corporation.
Statements included in this news release which are not historical in nature are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the
safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, without limitation, statements regarding
the ability to obtain financing, the hiring of new personnel, the Company's ability to secure new business, and those factors
highlighted in LCC International, Inc.'s Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, which could
cause the Company's actual results to materially differ from forward-looking statements made by the Company.
LCC International, Inc., (http://www.lcc.com) one of the world's largest wireless consulting firms, has been serving the
telecommunications industry since 1983. The Company is engaged in three primary areas of business: RF Engineering &
Network Deployment services, Tower Ownership & Management, and Planning & Optimization software and Field
Measurement products.
XM Satellite Radio (www.xmradio.com) is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Mobile Satellite Corporation
(NASDAQ:SKYC - news).
XM's investors include industry leaders Clear Channel Communications Inc.; DIRECTV, Inc., a unit of Hughes Electronics
Corporation; The General Motors Corporation; and a private investment group comprised of Columbia Capital, Telcom
Ventures L.L.C., and Madison Dearborn Partners, which together recently invested $250 million in the company.
XM Satellite Radio obtained one of only two satellite digital audio radio service (SDARS) licenses from the Federal
Communications Commission in October 1997. First there was AM, then FM, and soon, XM Satellite Radio. For more
information about XM, please contact Vicki Stearn, 202/969-7070 vicki.stearn@xmradio.com.
Contact:
LCC International, Inc., McLean
Tricia Drennan,
Director of Corporate Comm & Investor Relations
703/873-2390
fax: 703/873-2300
tricia_drennan@lcc.com |
