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Microcap & Penny Stocks : Globalstar Telecommunications Limited GSAT -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Jim Parkinson who wrote (13048)	5/24/2000 12:37:00 PM
From: Rocket Scientist	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 29987

Vod's press release re: G* 24/5/2000 Above & beyond - Vodafone launches Globalstar service to UK customers Today Vodafone UK announces the launch of the Globalstar Mobile Satellite Service, giving its customers access to mobile phone coverage above and beyond terrestrial networks. The service is set to provide communications to people whose lifestyle takes them to remote parts of the world, far beyond the reach of terrestrial networks. Vodafone customers use a dual mode handset, which operates on the GSM900 frequency and switches to Globalstar satellite mode when required. A unique feature of the Globalstar service is the ability for customers to retain their existing Vodafone number. The same benefits of GSM - voice calls, text messaging (SMS), voicemail and roaming - will still be available through Globalstar, with additional services such as fax, data transmission and positioning services scheduled for rollout in due course. "Offering the Globalstar service as part of our existing roaming portfolio gives Vodafone customers even more scope to stay in touch." said Peter Bamford, Chief Executive of Vodafone UK Ltd. "We already have roaming agreements with 237 networks across 108 countries, and Globalstar will ensure that our customers benefit from maximum use of their Vodafone in even more areas of the world." "We anticipate wide-ranging interest in Globalstar from people whose work or leisure interests take them to far-flung corners of the world. The service will also be invaluable in the UK for professions such as the utilities, emergency services and the marine community." "With the introduction of service in the UK, Globalstar is now available across virtually all of Europe, complementing our existing service on five other continents," said Bernard L. Schwartz, chairman and chief executive officer of Globalstar. "Despite the rapid build-out of terrestrial networks, 85% of the world's land mass remains unserved by cellular. Globalstar is now providing the service to fill this huge gap." Globalstar is a consortium of leading international technology and telecommunications companies. Vodafone and AirTouch individually were founding partners of Globalstar and have maintained an interest in the development of the service, with the merged Vodafone AirTouch currently holding a 6.5 per cent share in Globalstar (on a fully diluted basis). Vodafone AirTouch is Globalstar's largest service provider partner, and will be offering the Globalstar service in the UK, USA, Australia, Mexico, Canada, Southern Africa and Greece. The Globalstar system comprises 48 low-earth-orbiting (LEO) satellites that transmit calls to and from a mobile Globalstar phone via a network of land-based gateways, with each gateway operator owning the rights to a specified territory. A progressive rollout of commercial Globalstar services began at the end of 1999, and it is anticipated that completion of the basic network rollout will be achieved by Q1 2001, at which point Globalstar service will be available in over 120 countries served by 38 gateways. With today's commercial service launch in the UK, there are now 37 countries in full service, with limited service initiated in a further nine countries. For more information visit the Vodafone website at www.vodafone.co.uk/satellite or the Globalstar website at www.globalstar.com. For further information contact: Emma Terleske or Janine Young at the Vodafone AirTouch Press Office Telephone: 07000 500100 E-mail: press.office@vf.vodafone.co.uk Christine Medforth GCI London Telephone: 0207 351 2400 E-mail: cmedforth@gciuk.com NOTES TO EDITORS: Full service is defined as having handset availability, service and distribution channels in place. Globalstar, led by founding partner Loral Space & Communications, is a partnership of the world's leading telecommunications service providers and equipment manufacturers, including co-founder Qualcomm Incorporated, Alenia, China Telecom (HK), DACOM, DaimlerChrysler Aerospace, Elsacom (a Finmeccanica Company), Hyundai, TE.SA.M (a France Telecom/Alcatel company), Space Systems/Loral, and Vodafone AirTouch. If a customer is not already connected to the Vodafone network they will need to purchase a GSM mobile phone and sign a contract in order to access the service. There are two Globalstar handsets - the Ericsson R290 (œ1200) and the Telit SAT550 (œ800). Please note that these prices are not subsidised and are intended as a guide only, as handset costs are determined by individual service providers. There will be a range of tariff prices according to where calls are originated/terminated. As a guide, the UK domestic tariff (for calls within the UK and from the UK to Western Europe and the USA) will be approximately $2.24 per minute. As with all roaming charges, Globalstar call charges may be subject to service provider mark-up, VAT and fluctuating exchange rates. vodafone.co.uk