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.
Globalstar, led by 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, Daimler-Benz Aerospace, Elsag Bailey, France Telecom, and Space Systems/Loral.
Safe Harbor'' Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for the historical information presented, the matters discussed throughout
this release are ¶ forward-looking statements and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Such factors include: a change
in economic conditions in the various markets served by AirTouch Satellite Services' operations which would adversely affect the level of demand for Globalstar wireless
services; higher than anticipated costs associated with the deployment of Globalstar service, which could result in higher than anticipated pricing, delays in service roll-out
due to regulatory issues, technology issues, and or other service development issues, the possibility that technologies will not perform according to expectations or that
vendor performance will not meet requirements, the impact of new business opportunities requiring significant up-front investments; the impact on capital spending from
the deployment of Globalstar; and higher than anticipated costs associated with addressing the Year 2000 problem. These and other factors related to the business are
described in the AirTouch Communications' SEC filings, including in its 10-K under ''Investment Considerations'' and the quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.
Contact:
AirTouch Satellite Services
Gina Sponzilli, 925/988-4512
Janette Hill, 415/974-6200
More Quotes and News:
Vodafone Airtouch PLC (NYSE:VOD - news)
Related News Categories: computers, telecom
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