October 06, 1999 07:45
QUALCOMM's Globalstar Satellite-Based Phones Receive
International Approvals
- Approvals Pave Way for Unrestricted Use of Phones Across International Borders -
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- QUALCOMM Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM), pioneer and world
leader of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) digital wireless technology, and Globalstar, L.P.
today announced that QUALCOMM-manufactured Globalstar(TM) satellite portable and fixed phones
have received approval from leading regulatory authorities in four continents, bringing the phones
within reach of complete worldwide acceptance.
QUALCOMM's handheld and fixed phones, designed exclusively for use on the Globalstar
satellite-based communications system, have been awarded approvals by the United States Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) and the British Approvals Board for Telecommunications,
European Community (BABT). The BABT approvals are accepted across the European Union.
QUALCOMM has also received approval from Industry Canada, with pending applications in both
Brazil and Korea.
QUALCOMM has also successfully completed registration of its Globalstar satellite phone products
under the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). This is a critical step in ensuring that these
products will be recognized by more than 130 countries, which have signed the ITU's Memorandum of
Understanding for Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellites. The "GMPCS-MoU" mark is
required on all portable wireless communications products, demonstrating they have met the
requirements of the ITU and are allowed unrestricted use or movement across national borders
between the signatory countries.
"Achieving these milestones is a significant step for both QUALCOMM and Globalstar L.P.," said
Jerry Beckwith, president, QUALCOMM Wireless Systems. "These approvals bring us closer to
worldwide acceptance, an important milestone for the Globalstar system."
"We anticipate that the worldwide recognition of the European approval, FCC approval and the ITU
registry will minimize the time and expense spent on the approval process in other countries around
the world," said Tony Navarra, president, Globalstar L.P.
The Globalstar system is designed to provide affordable satellite-based personal communications
services to a broad range of users. Globalstar's service will enable people to make and receive phone
calls, short messages and voice messages, and eventually data capabilities for e-mail and facsimiles.
Globalstar L.P. will initiate its progressive, regional roll-out of service in October 1999, beginning at
Telecom '99 in Geneva, Switzerland.
QUALCOMM-manufactured Globalstar satellite phone products include:
-- A tri-mode portable satellite phone that provides for communications
in satellite-mode as well as in cellular CDMA and AMPS mode -- an all
in one handset with no attachments required.
-- A fixed satellite phone system available in both basic and enhanced
kits. The fixed phone is designed to make use of commonly available
two-wire analog telephone sets for use in remote office environments.
-- A hands-free car kit for use with the tri-mode portable satellite
phone to provide hands-free phone use when traveling in an automobile.
QUALCOMM also offers accessories including: A cigarette lighter adapter,
a universal travel charger, a data cable and a leather protective case.
In addition to the regulatory approvals, QUALCOMM has recently received the Cellular
Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) certification for its tri-mode portable satellite phone
product. The purpose of this certification program is to enhance the terminal unit performance by
verifying conformance with established industry standards. The CTIA performs an independent
technical evaluation based on specified criteria. Once conformance is verified, the manufacturer is
authorized to display the official certification seal on the products. This certification is recognized and
respected by all the major terrestrial service carriers within the United States and its territories and, for
some carriers, is a prerequisite for use within their network.
Globalstar, 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.
For more information, visit Globalstar's web site at www.globalstar.com.
QUALCOMM Incorporated (www.qualcomm.com) is a leader in developing and delivering innovative
digital wireless communications products and services based on the Company's CDMA digital
technology. The Company's major business areas include CDMA phones; integrated CDMA chipsets
and system software; technology licensing; and satellite-based systems including OmniTRACS(R) and
portions of the Globalstar system. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., QUALCOMM is included in the
S&P Index and is a 1999 FORTUNE 500(R) company traded on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol
QCOM.
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking
statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including timely product development, the
Company's ability to successfully manufacture significant quantities of CDMA or other equipment on a
timely and profitable basis and those related to performance guarantees, change in economic
conditions of the various markets the Company serves, as well as the other risks detailed from time to
time in the Company's SEC reports, including the report on Form 10-K for the year ended September
26, 1999, and most recent Form 10-Q.
QUALCOMM and OmniTRACS are registered trademarks and OmniTRACS is a service mark of
QUALCOMM Incorporated. Globalstar is a trademark of Loral QUALCOMM Satellite Services,
Incorporated.
SOURCE QUALCOMM Incorporated
/CONTACT: Katharine Kubichan, QUALCOMM Wireless Systems, 858-651-6007,
fax: 858-658-1559, kkubicha@qualcomm.com, or Christine Trimble, Corporate
Public Relations, 858-651-3628, fax: 858-651-2590, ctrimble@qualcomm.com, or
Julie Cunningham, Investor Relations, 858-658-4224, fax: 858-651-9303,
jcunningham@qualcomm.com, all of QUALCOMM Incorporated; or Mac Jeffery of
Loral Space & Communications, 212-338-5383, mac.jeffery@hq.loral.com/
/Web Site: globalstar.com
/Web Site: qualcomm.com
(QCOM)
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