GLOBALSTAR: Globalstar USA introduces roaming service beyond North America; Users can immediately place calls from Southern Brazil and parts of Europe
APR 20, 2000, M2 Communications - Walnut Creek, California -- Globalstar USA, a subsidiary of Vodafone AirTouch plc [VOD], today announced its first overseas roaming agreements, covering Southern Brazil and parts of Europe. As of today, Globalstar USA customers can place outbound calls from Southern Brazil to anywhere in the world for $1.99 plus long distance charges,* and make both inbound and outbound calls from 17 countries in Europe for $1.79 plus long distance charges. (*Prices may vary slightly due to exchange rates.) "All systems are go for Globalstar USA customers who need to make calls from these regions," said Mike Kerr, vice president and general manager of Globalstar USA. "Agreements are in place with the Globalstar service providers serving these areas, and their gateways have been prepared." Globalstar USA customers already have in- and outbound roaming capabilities throughout North America, covering all of Canada, the continental United States and Mexico.
Countries and regions included in the expanded roaming service include:
Southern Brazil:
Europe:
Districto Federal, Minais Gerais, Rio De Janerio, Albania, Austria, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Rio Grande De Sul, Santa Catarina, Sao Paulo Greece, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Macedonia, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland and the Vatican City
Globalstar's service offers a call quality that is equivalent to, if not better, than cellular. "Several of my friends have commented that it sounds better than my home phone when I'm talking with them on my Globalstar phone," said Jerry Stuber, a Globalstar customer and one of the service's earliest adopters. "I'm a stockbroker, so it's essential that I'm available to my clients at all times, no matter where I am. I use my Globalstar phone every day to talk with many of those clients."
Globalstar USA Service Globalstar service is designed to supplement cellular service, not replace it. While cellular use is growing in reach every year, 45 percent of the U.S. is still without comprehensive wireless coverage. It is also estimated that more than 50 percent of the world's population still does not have access to basic phone service. Globalstar can fill in the gaps where cellular does not exist or is "sketchy," and allows communications access for those individuals regularly outside coverage areas or who travel to places where phone service is not readily available.
Globalstar USA's Satellite Phone Products Globalstar USA offers a range of products designed by Qualcomm: a Globalstar handheld tri-mode phone which operates in satellite mode, but also in digital and analog cellular modes wherever cellular service is available; a hands-free car kit is designed for use in conjunction with the Globalstar tri-mode portable phone; and a fixed satellite phone, which can be mounted on a wall or placed on a table or desk.
Globalstar USA Domestic Pricing Plans Globalstar USA offers the following domestic price plans (without promotional discounts) based on a monthly service charge and fees for satellite connection and use. The Beyond Basic plan is $29.99 per month plus $1.69 per minute for satellite airtime. The Beyond 50 plan is $99.99 per month and includes 50 minutes of satellite airtime; additional minutes are $1.59. The Beyond 100 plan is $169.99 per month and includes 100 minutes of satellite airtime; additional minutes are $1.49. The Beyond 250 plan is $369.99 and includes 250 minutes of satellite airtime; additional minutes are $1.39.
New and existing customers who sign up for service through any Globalstar USA distributor between April 1 and May 15, 2000 will receive 30 percent off regular monthly access fees and domestic airtime through the July 15 billing cycle.
Availability
Individuals and businesses can purchase a Globalstar phone and service through Globalstar USA's distributors located throughout the United States.
A list of more than 400 dealer locations throughout the U.S. can be found by calling Globalstar USA at 1-877-SATPHONE (877-728-7466), or by visiting Globalstar USA's web site at www.globalstarusa.com.
About Globalstar USA
Globalstar USA (GUSA), an indirect Vodafone AirTouch Plc. subsidiary, has exclusive rights to sell Globalstar satellite service in the United States and is responsible for building the satellite gateways, interconnecting with the public phone network, development and management of billing and customer care systems, sales, product distribution and marketing. For more information visit Globalstar USA's website at www.globalstarusa.com.
About Globalstar L.P.
Globalstar L.P., led by founding partner Loral Space & Communications, is a partnership of the world's leading telecommunications service providers and equipment manufacturers, including Qualcomm Incorporated, Alcatel, Alenia, China Telecom (HK), DACOM, DaimlerChrysler Aerospace, Elsacom (a Finmeccanica company), France Telecom, Hyundai, Space Systems/Loral and Vodafone AirTouch Plc. For more information, visit Globalstar's web site at www.globalstar.com. Globalstar service is already available in 34 countries, and is planning to introduce service in over 80 countries by the end of the year.
About Vodafone AirTouch Plc.
Vodafone AirTouch Plc. is the world's largest wireless communications firm, based in the United Kingdom. "Vodafone AirTouch" has mobile operations in 24 countries on five continents, with more than 35.5 million proportionate cellular customers. Parent company Vodafone AirTouch, through its subsidiaries and joint ventures, is the service provider for Globalstar in a total of 15 countries across North America, Europe, Australia, and Africa.
Vodafone AirTouch has an approximate eight-percent holding in the Globalstar Limited Partnership. For more information on Vodafone AirTouch Plc., visit
www.vodafone-airtouch-plc.com.
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(C)1994-2000 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTDCONTACT: Toni Carinci
Tel: +1 925 274 4966
e-mail: toni.carinci@globalstarusa.com
Donna Berry
Tel: +1 415 974 6200
e-mail: dberry@gcigroup.com
Christine Medforth/James Lambert, GCI Group
Tel: +44 (0)207 351 2400
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