MILPITAS, Calif., May 14, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Globalstar, Inc. (Nasdaq:GSAT), a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to businesses, governments and individuals, today announced that its former Vice President of Engineering, Robert (Bob) Wiedeman has been honored by the Mobile Satellite Users Association (MSUA) as a satellite industry pioneer for his role as the primary inventor of the Globalstar satellite system. Mr. Wiedeman was recognized as a Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) Pioneer at the MSUA's International Conference and Exhibition being held in Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
"In the early 1990s while working with what is presently known as Space Systems Loral, Bob Wiedeman envisioned a communication system that would enable anyone to place a telephone call from virtually anywhere in the world using a small device the size of the day's cellular handset," said Marty Neilsen, Vice President of New Business Ventures for Globalstar, Inc. Mr. Neilsen, who accepted the award on behalf of Mr. Wiedeman added, "Globalstar satellites and the associated ground network, essentially replicate the cellular terrestrial network. However, instead of the wireless signal simply connecting to a nearby stationary cell tower, it must reach a satellite travelling at a speed of more than 15,000 mph and orbiting over 850 miles above the earth's surface. The Globalstar system that Bob originally conceived of is a fantastic technological achievement in the field of wireless communications."
Mr. Wiedeman brought his engineering expertise to Globalstar in 1991 where he served as Vice President of Engineering until his retirement in 1999. In 1998, using Mr. Wiedeman's concept of utilizing low-earth-orbit satellites and multiple earth ground stations, Globalstar and its many talented engineers began deploying a system that today supports nearly 300,000 subscribers worldwide. As Globalstar moves towards the launch its second-generation of satellites beginning in the second half of next year, it will once again use many of the same concepts and principles originally conceived of by its inventor over fifteen years ago.
The MSUA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the interests of the users of Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) worldwide. In the MSUA release announcing the award, MSUA Chairman Bob Roe recognized Globalstar, and others, for its pioneering efforts towards offering commercial satellite handheld phone service. Mr. Roe added, "We want to honor those achievements through our MSS Pioneer Award."
About Globalstar, Inc.
Globalstar offers satellite voice and data services to commercial and recreational users in more than 120 countries around the world. The Company's products include mobile and fixed satellite telephones, simplex and duplex satellite data modems and flexible service packages. Many land based and maritime industries benefit from Globalstar with increased productivity from remote areas beyond cellular and landline service. Global customer segments include: oil and gas, government, mining, forestry, commercial fishing, utilities, military, transportation, heavy construction, emergency preparedness, and business continuity as well as individual recreational users. Globalstar data solutions are ideal for various asset and personal tracking, data monitoring and SCADA applications.
For more information regarding Globalstar, please visit Globalstar's web site at www.globalstar.com
Safe Harbor Language for Globalstar Releases
This press release contains certain statements such as, "As Globalstar moves towards the launch its second-generation of satellites beginning in the second half of next year, it will once again use many of the same concepts and principles originally conceived of by its inventor over fifteen years ago," that are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, including demand for our products and services, including commercial acceptance of our new Simplex products, including the SPOT Satellite Messenger, and the ability to retain and migrate our two-way communications services subscribers to our second-generation constellation when it is deployed; problems relating to the construction, launch or in-orbit performance of our existing and future satellites; including the effects of the degrading ability of our first-generation satellite constellation to support two-way communication; problems relating to the ground-based facilities operated by us or by independent gateway operators; our ability to attract sufficient additional funding to meet our future capital requirements including deployment of our second-generation constellation; competition and its competitiveness vis-a-vis other providers of satellite and ground-based communications products and services; the pace and effects of industry consolidation; the continued availability of launch insurance on commercially reasonable terms, and the effects of any insurance exclusions; changes in technology; our ability to continue to attract and retain qualified personnel; worldwide economic, geopolitical and business conditions and risks associated with doing business on a global basis; and legal, regulatory, and tax developments, including changes in domestic and international government regulation.
Any forward-looking statements made in this press release speak as of the date made and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results or developments may differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, and we undertake no obligation to update any such statements. Additional information on factors that could influence our financial results is included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K.