Globalstar USA and American Wireless Form Powerful Alliance to Distribute Satellite Phone Service
BUSINESS WIRE - February 29, 2000 10:26
WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Feb 29, 2000 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Master Agent for More Than 4,300 Wireless Retailers Joins Growing Globalstar Distribution Network
Globalstar USA, the exclusive provider of Globalstar's satellite-based communications services in the United States, today announced the addition of American Wireless, the nation's largest Master Agent for the consumer wireless industry, to its growing list of satellite phone service distributors. American Wireless, which serves as the chief interface between wireless carriers, equipment manufacturers and more than 4,300 wireless retailers, joins AirTouch Cellular, GMPCS, Norsat International and 10 other distributors in the Globalstar USA network. These distributors will supply Globalstar service to a wide variety of customers around the world, in addition to providing customer service, product training and many other services.
"American Wireless opens the door to hundreds of thousands of high value, loyal customers for our satellite service offering," said Eric Ley, Regional Manager of Globalstar USA. "Their extensive network of wireless agents throughout the U.S. and Latin America will make our global phone service available to people with the quality, simplicity and value of a trusted local store."
Globalstar's satellite phone products are designed to meet the needs of individuals and businesses that regularly find themselves in areas where cellular or landline coverage is unavailable, incompatible or inaccessible. In the United States, where Globalstar is offering this service, these individuals typically work in industries with operations in remote locations, such as utilities, oil and gas, mining, forestry, construction, maritime and the military - industries that will be Globalstar USA's initial targets for the service.
"With the addition of Globalstar service to our extensive portfolio, wireless users can now walk into any of our thousands of local retailers and fill their entire telecommunications wish list," said Jim Dunham, President, American Wireless. "Globalstar offers the capability to stay in touch virtually anywhere in the world through one small handset - all at an affordable price. This is one of the most compelling offerings we've been able to extend to our wireless agents, and will help us grow our network and activate tens of thousands of new subscribers."
Globalstar Satellite Phone Service
The Globalstar system is a 48-satellite constellation that provides state-of-the-art mobile satellite service, extending the coverage of today's analog and digital wireless services and enabling phone calls to be made and received virtually anywhere in the world. Call forwarding and voice mail are also included with the Globalstar subscription at no extra cost. Data capabilities, including e-mail, fax and file transfer, as well as short message service (SMS) will be available after the first half of 2000.
Several products are available through Globalstar USA and its fourteen distributors, including: the portable Qualcomm tri-mode satellite and cellular phone; the Qualcomm hands-free car kit; fixed satellite phone, and maritime phone.
About American Wireless
American Wireless is the nation's largest Master Agent, and an international distributor for wireless telephones. The company serves as the chief interface or Master Agent between the wireless carriers and equipment manufacturers and more than 4,300 independent wireless retailers in the United States and Latin America. American Wireless serves as a "one-stop shop" for local wireless agents. In its pivotal role, American Wireless activates more than 400,000 subscribers each year. The privately held company, a division of The Brix Group Inc., was founded in 1971. Visit American Wireless on the World Wide Web at www.americanwireless.com.
About Globalstar USA
Globalstar USA, an indirect Vodafone AirTouch Plc. subsidary, 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. Globalstar USA's business strategy focuses on superior service delivery and is based on a customer-focused model of quality, simplicity and value.
Globalstar USA is making Globalstar service commercially available to customers in the United States in the first quarter of 2000. For more information, visit our new web site at www.globalstarusa.com, or call 1-877-SATPHONE.
About Globalstar
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.
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, Canada, Mexico and South Africa. Vodafone AirTouch has an approximate eight percent share in the Globalstar Limited Partnership. |
