4/03/00 - Spring Forward With Globalstar USA; Introducing Limited Promotional Rates; Beyond 50 Minute Plan
WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Apr 3, 2000 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Globalstar USA, a subsidiary of Vodafone AirTouch plc (VOD), today
announced the introduction of the "Beyond" promotion.
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.
"This promotion provides a more flexible and affordable means for customers to try out Globalstar phones and service," said Mike Kerr,
vice president and general manager of Globalstar USA. "We also considered that there are some satellite phone users who have been
required to switch their provider recently, and needed a smooth, cost-effective transition." In addition, several Globalstar USA
distributors are currently offering rebates to former Iridium customers for Globalstar handsets.
The company also announced the addition of its new "Beyond 50" rate plan to its existing package of rate plans, offering customers
even more choices than before.
"Beyond" Promotion
Now through May 15, 2000, new and existing Globalstar USA customers can sign up for the following promotional plans:
Plan Name Monthly Fee Free Minutes Cost Per Additional Minute
Beyond Basic Promo $20.99 0 $1.18
Beyond 50 Promo $69.99 50 $1.11
Beyond 100 Promo $118.99 100 $1.04
Beyond 250 Promo $258.30 250 $0.97
Plan prices, which will be offered by Globalstar USA's agents, do not include international long distance charges. Globalstar USA's
resellers will set prices according to individual market conditions.
Beyond 50 Plan
Without promotional rates, the Beyond 50 plan is $99.99 and includes 50 minutes of satellite airtime. Additional satellite minutes are
$1.59 per minute.
"The 'Beyond 50' plan is a direct response to our customers' requests," added Kerr. "It's designed for customers needing a 'moderate'
amount of satellite service use each month -- those customers who find our 100-minute plan to be too much pre-packaged airtime for
their needs, and the 0-minute plan to be too little. Fifty minutes each month is perfect for them."
Globalstar's satellite service is designed as a complement to cellular, and is ideal for individuals who regularly travel out of cellular
range (approximately 45 percent of the geographical U.S. is not covered by cellular). Globalstar USA is primarily targeting industrial
vertical markets, such as oil & gas, maritime, construction, forestry and mining, which typically have operations in remote areas.
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.
Other Globalstar USA Domestic Pricing Plans
Globalstar USA offers the following distinct domestic pricing plans (without promotion) 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 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.
Availability
Individuals and businesses can purchase a Globalstar phone and service through Globalstar USA's distributors located throughout the
United States. A list of dealers 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 27 countries, and is planning to introduce service in over 80 countries by mid-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.
Distributed via COMTEX.
Copyright (C) 2000 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
-0-
CONTACT: Globalstar USA
Toni Carinci, 925/274-4966 or 925/997-6225 (cell)
toni.carinci@globalstarusa.com
or
GCI Froup
Donna Berry, 415/974-6200 or 415/717-1384 (cell)
dberry@gcigroup.com
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TELECOMMUNICATIONS
PRODUCT
Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet
with Hyperlinks to your home page.
URL: businesswire.com |
