Norsat/Globalstar News:
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Here's the article:
December 23, 1999 09:45
Norsat Teams With Globalstar USA to Provide Data and Voice Satellite
Access Via the Globalstar Constellation
BURNABY, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 23, 1999-- Norsat Int'l Inc.(NASDAQ:NSATF) (TSE:NII.)
Norsat International Inc. (TSE - NII; Nasdaq - NSATF), today announced the signing of an agreement with Globalstar USA
(formerly Airtouch Satellite Services) which will open new markets in the United States for Norsat's satellite access
technology and distribution capabilities.
Under the agreement, Norsat will distribute Globalstar USA satellite-based telephony services, including data and voice
airtime as well as handsets, through Norsat America and other distribution channels in the United States. Norsat also
plans to distribute a new narrowband data service based on a proprietary interactive digital data terminal under
development by Norsat to serve targeted markets. These wireless terminals will enable remote locations to send
operations and transaction data for financial, monitoring, diagnostics, and other purposes, and to receive information in
response.
"Norsat will apply its satellite microwave technology to develop a new cost-effective network for frequent transmissions of
small, secure data packets," said Robert H. Bucher, Norsat's President and CEO. "In addition to the terminals, Norsat will
provide complete data transmission solutions on the Globalstar USA satellite communications network. This agreement
has created an opportunity for Norsat to add these narrowband products and services to its existing broadband and
VSAT satellite access businesses, and represents a potential recurring stream of revenue from the sale of airtime and
related services."
The potential customer base for Norsat's terminals includes the banking, petroleum, mining, forestry, fisheries,
agriculture, transportation and retail industries; and gas, electric and water utilities. The Globalstar USA voice service is
scheduled to be launched in the first quarter of 2000, with Norsat's data services expected to be available in the second
half of the year.
Norsat International Inc. designs, engineers and distributes premium products for use in the satellite wireless
communications and cable television industries. Its Satellite & Cable group is a leading supplier of satellite signal
receivers and other ground station equipment. The Company's Norsat America Inc. subsidiary operates a network of 14
branch offices across the U.S. and is a distributor of DIRECTV(R) satellite service to the direct-to-home (DTH) market
and a DIRECTV(R) Master System Operator (MSO) for the multiple dwelling unit (MDU) market. Norsat America also
distributes DirecPC.
Globalstar USA, a Vodafone AirTouch Plc. subsidiary, has exclusive rights to sell Globalstar satellite service in United
States and is responsible for building the satellite gateways and interconnecting with the phone network, development
and management of billing and customer care systems, sales, product distribution and marketing.
This document may contain certain forward-looking information and statements concerning the Company's operations,
performance and financial condition, including, in particular, the likelihood of the Company's success in developing and
expanding its business. These statements are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently
subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Actual
results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
CONTACT: Norsat International Inc.
Derick J. Walker, 604/292-9000
604/292-9100 (FAX)
Website: www.norsat.com
Email: info@norsat.com
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