I like this story because ORBCOM has high fixed costs, and signing new users will bring it closer to profitability...
GE-Harris to Use ORBCOMM Satellite Network for Its Pinpoint
Locomotive Tracking System
DULLES, Va., Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- ORBCOMM Global, L.P. (ORBCOMM), the first commercial provider of global low-Earth orbit satellite
data and messaging communications services, today announced that GE Harris Railway Electronics, L.L.C. (GE Harris), has signed an agreement
with ORBCOMM providing for the use of its global satellite services as part of GE Harris' PINPOINT(TM) Locomotive Tracking System. GE
Harris, a joint venture between the General Electric Company and Harris Corporation, is a leading provider of electronics, communications and
train control technology for the global railroad industry.
GE Harris' PINPOINT Locomotive Tracking system enables railroads generally to determine each locomotive's position inside the parameters of
their road fleet within approximately 100 meters. The PINPOINT system is able to tightly integrate into the railroads' existing systems to realize
this benefit. The PINPOINT system also provides fuel status and several other onboard data reporting features. ORBCOMM's global tracking,
monitoring and two-way communications capabilities enable GE Harris to provide this valuable information to its customers.
By using the PINPOINT Locomotive Tracking system with ORBCOMM's satellite communications service, railroads can improve their overall
efficiency through better fleet utilization and refueling operations. GE Harris recently completed a pilot program with a major Class 1 railroad on
the effectiveness of the PINPOINT system. The results indicated that a six percent increase in locomotive utilization and a ten percent increase
in miles traveled over the road could be achieved with the PINPOINT system.
``We are pleased that GE Harris has selected ORBCOMM as its satellite communications provider,' said Scott L. Webster, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of ORBCOMM. ``The PINPOINT system provides customers with access to data that can substantially improve operational
performance. ORBCOMM is proud to play an important role in delivering this information. ORBCOMM's system was designed to give its
customers a powerful tool to manage their assets more effectively, anytime, anywhere. I'm excited to see ORBCOMM used to make this
cutting-edge solution available to the railway industry.'
``The PINPOINT system is poised to transform the way in which the railway industry monitors and communicates with its mobile and remote
resources,' said Kevin Clyne, Business Development Manager, Communications Systems, for GE Harris. ``ORBCOMM's satellite network will
provide a critical link in the communications chain.'
Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, GE Harris Railway Electronics, L.L.C. is a leading provider of electronics, communications and train
control technology for the global railroad industry. For more information about GE Harris products and system, visit the company's worldwide
web site at www.geharris.com.
ORBCOMM provides two-way monitoring, tracking and messaging services through the world's first low-Earth orbit satellite-based data
communications system. ORBCOMM applications include monitoring of fixed assets such as electric utility meters, oil and gas storage tanks,
wells and pipelines and environmental projects; tracking of mobile assets such as trailers, rail cars, heavy equipment, fishing vessels, barges
and government assets; and messaging services for consumers and commercial and government entities.
ORBCOMM is a partnership owned by Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE: ORB - news) and Teleglobe Inc. (NYSE: TGO - news) of Canada.
Teleglobe is listed on the NYSE, TSE (Toronto Stock Exchange) and ME (Montreal Exchange) under the TGO symbol. Orbital is a space
technology company that designs, manufactures and markets a broad range of space products and satellite-based services. Orbital's experience
includes carrying out more than 275 satellite, rocket and space payload missions during the past 15 years. Teleglobe Inc. is recognized as a
world leader in global telecommunications. The Teleglobe network links North America with more than 240 countries and territories.
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