COVINGTON, La., June 4, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- At the onset of the Atlantic hurricane season, Globalstar, Inc. (NYSE MKT:GSAT) has announced that it has once again teamed up with Lt. General Russel L. Honoré, U.S. Army (Retired) in an initiative to raise awareness of the irreplaceable role that non-terrestrial based communications, such as Globalstar's satellite phone solutions, play in emergency and disaster relief situations. In the devastating aftermath of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and more recently, Sandy, satellite communications providers like Globalstar played an essential part in enabling disaster recovery, search and rescue operations and restoring basic services to the public. Lightweight handheld satellite phones and PABX-compatible fixed phone solutions can be rapidly deployed to meet almost any interoperability application involving 2-way radios, telephones, and data networks.
In the aftermath of these recent events, businesses now routinely incorporate satellite phones in their disaster recovery and backup communications planning. Further, as a direct result of Hurricane Katrina, governors have put a renewed focus on statewide disaster preparedness programs, and interoperable emergency communications are a required component of the National Preparedness Goal put forth by the Department of Homeland Security in September 2011. Known for setting the standard in high quality voice and mobile data communications, Globalstar has already been adopted as the preferred statewide backup communications system in many parts of the country.
Honoré is best known as an expert on global disaster preparedness. He led the joint task force responsible for the massive search-and-rescue mission and restoration of order in New Orleans and the Mississippi Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Additionally, he served in a variety of planning and response operations, including Hurricanes Floyd, Isabel, Charley, Frances and Ivan, and has supported U.S. military emergency response abroad.
Honoré states, "My motto is simple – you should prepare not just when you notice something is headed your way, but prepare now. You need the ability to maintain communications continuity at all times, should the grid go down. Globalstar provides that with the world's newest MSS network: a long-term, reliable investment with system redundancy that users can count on to reduce their response time, clearly be heard during critical phone calls and transmit data faster than any other competitive network."
As dependence on mobile phone and data services amongst consumers becomes even more ubiquitous, so too does the need for reliable, space-based technology to support it. Satellite networks are built independent of local infrastructure, and as a result, are usually the only reliable operable communications networks available. Additionally, during periods of peak network traffic, satellites can mitigate the chance of system overload by acting as a capacity solution.
While the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting a below normal Atlantic hurricane season, historical records have shown that similar seasons have still produced catastrophic impacts to coastal communities. "All it takes is just one major event to wreak havoc on our traditional lines of communication," said Honoré.
"We are thrilled to be continuing our partnership with General Honoré as he assists us in helping spread the word about the need for affordable products that deliver reliable communications outside of cellular," said Jay Monroe, Chairman and CEO of Globalstar. "With his insights on disaster recovery and preparedness, we know our customers will value his recommendation to integrate Globalstar into their emergency planning to maintain business continuity and peace of mind even when terrestrial service becomes unreliable."
Key products for your emergency communications plan:
GSP-1700 Satellite Phone – NOW FREE
Globalstar's easy to use, data-enabled, and US standards based GSP-1700 satellite phone provides crystal clear voice quality for users requiring either coverage outside the range of cellular service, or as a source of instant infrastructure when all else on the ground fails. The GSP-1700 (MRSP $499, now FREE with select service package agreements) is the most reasonably priced satellite phone service available, with plans starting at just $24.99.
Paired with the just released Globalstar 9600 WiFi data solution (MRSP $149.99), Globalstar customers can now use a convenient app to seamlessly pair their existing satellite phone and smartphone to send and receive email over the world's newest MSS network.
Globalstar Sat Fi™
With Sat-Fi ($999), Globalstar customers can use their current smartphones, tablets and laptops for both voice and two-way data when traveling beyond cellular. With Sat-Fi, businesses and emergency responders will be able to use their own device to stay connected off the cellular grid, which is critical in times of crisis or natural disaster.
GSP-2900 Satellite Fixed Phone System
Globalstar's GSP-2900 satellite fixed phone system (MSRP $1499) is installed safely and securely on a rooftop to bring a working phone line inside that can be connected to any standard phone or PABX. The device provides convenient in-building satellite voice and data services and also works with the 9600 data solution.
For more information on Globalstar products and services, please visit Globalstar.com/Hurricane.
About Globalstar, Inc.
Globalstar is a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services. Globalstar offers these services to government, commercial and recreational users 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. Globalstar 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.