MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Oct. 22, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Globalstar Canada Satellite Co., a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services, announced today its new Intrinsically Safe SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger™ (SPOT IS™) is now available in Canada and the United States. Ideal for harsh environments, SPOT IS™ sends one-way location-based messages via satellite to others even from remote areas beyond cell phone range.
The easily identifiable blue SPOT IS™ is certified Intrinsically Safe meeting Class I, Division 1, Groups A-D standards under UL 913 and CSA C22.2 No. 157. These certifications allow companies operating in potentially combustible environments where the presence of flammable gases or vapors may exist such as oil and gas and natural resources including mining, transportation and government, to take advantage of SPOT messaging functionality. Certification was completed by MET Laboratories, Inc.
Using both the GPS and Globalstar communications satellite network, the handheld SPOT IS™ enables workers to send predefined messages with their GPS location for checking-in with contacts or to summon help in an emergency.
"Companies are often challenged to provide safe work practices for employees and ensure lone worker requirements are met," said Jim Mandala, General Manager for Globalstar Canada Satellite Co. "The most efficient way to accomplish this is through effective communication. SPOT IS™ provides a rugged and reliable solution for employees who operate remotely often alone and in potentially hazardous work environments."
SPOT IS™ transmits activated messages based on varying levels of need:
- SOS notifies the GEOS International Emergency Rescue Coordination Center of your GPS location in a critical emergency.
- Help requests assistance from your contacts including co-workers, friends and family.
- Check-in/OK lets contacts know where you are and that you're okay.
- Custom Message lets you send a second predefined message to a list of new contacts.
- Track Progress sends your location automatically allowing your contacts to track a virtual "breadcrumb trail" of your location in near real-time using Google Maps™.
Coverage
SPOT satellite coverage works around the world, including all of the continental United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Australia, Northern and Central Africa, portions of South America and North-Eastern Asia and hundreds or thousands of miles offshore of these areas.
Pricing and Availability
The Certified Intrinsically Safe SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger (SPOT IS™) retails for $299.99. Basic service is required starting at $99.99 per year. SPOT IS™ is only available through select dealers and Value Added Resellers in North America. For Canadian inquiries, please contact SPOT Sales Support at Toll Free 1-866-291-1114 or by email at aoshea@globalstar.ca. For US inquiries, please contact Thomas Babb at 1 (866) 651-7768 or by email at thomas.babb@globalstar.com. To view an online dealer locator visit www.findmeSPOT.com.
About Spot LLC
Spot LLC, a subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc. (Nasdaq:GSAT), provides emergency notification technology that allows users to communicate from remote locations around the globe. The SPOT product family uses both the GPS satellite network to determine a customer's location and the Globalstar network to transmit messages and GPS coordinates to others including an international rescue coordination center. Thanks to this affordable, cutting edge personal safety device, the company offers people peace of mind by allowing customers to notify friends and family of their location and status, and to send for emergency assistance in time of need, completely independent of cellular phone or wireless coverage. For more information on how Spot LLC is helping others stay connected - from disaster preparedness to outdoor adventure – visit www.findmeSPOT.com.