MILPITAS, Calif., March 9, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SPOT LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globalstar Inc. (Nasdaq:GSAT) and a leader in personal satellite messaging and emergency communications, today announced it has expanded its distribution to leading consumer electronics retailer Fry's Electronics, Inc. Consumers can now purchase the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger(tm) at Fry's Electronics stores nationwide and online at Frys.com.
The SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger is the world's first handheld satellite personal messaging and safety device that provides an unparalleled level of peace-of-mind for consumers who spend time in the outdoors or simply want to stay connected with family and friends while away from home.
"Fry's Electronics marks our entrance into the U.S. consumer electronics superstore environment and complements our existing sell-in with outdoors and sporting goods retailers such as REI, Bass Pro Shops and Sports Authority," said Darren Bassel, global marketing director for SPOT LLC. "We are very excited to announce this new agreement and are looking forward to working with Fry's to expand the appeal of the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger to the broader market of high tech retail consumers."
"Fry's Electronics is excited about offering the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger products at all of our Stores. Our customers are very aware of new and exciting uses of technology, and SPOT is a perfect fit for us," said Scott Andersen, director of merchandising and operations for Fry's Electronics, Inc.
SPOT combines reliable commercial satellite messaging and GPS location technologies to send the user's GPS location to friends, family, co-workers. In an emergency the user can send an alert notification to roadside responders or can transmit a 911 message alert to an international emergency rescue coordination center from virtually any location - including some of the most remote locations - around the globe independently of cellular networks. SPOT's tracking functionality sends and saves the user's location and allows contacts to track the geographic locations of the unit using Google Maps(tm).
Beginning later this spring SPOT Assist's roadside service will offer 24 hour assistance 7 days a week in the Continental United States and Canada. By simply activating SPOT Assist with the "Help" button, users can instantly alert a national roadside response center of their GPS location. Backed by a leading provider of national roadside assistance, SPOT Assist services include roadside towing, auto-accident assistance, fuel services, tire repair, battery service, lost key and lockout.
Fry's Electronics Inc. is a leading retailer of computers, consumer electronics, and appliances. It has thirty four stores in nine states including California, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Fry's Electronics stores and Frys.com offers SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger for $149.95 plus State applicable tax. www.frys.com
About SPOT LLC.
The SPOT Satellite Messenger, the world's first satellite messenger, uses both the GPS satellite network to determine a customer's location and the SPOT network to transmit that information to friends, family or an emergency service call center. SPOT LLC., a subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc. (Nasdaq:GSAT), provides lifesaving communications technology that allows users to communicate from remote locations around the globe. 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 users live to tell about it(SM) - from disaster preparedness to outdoor adventure purposes - visit www.findmespot.com.
Notes to Reporters:
High-resolution photos of SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger are available at http://findmespot.com/en/pressroom/
Media loan units are available for review upon request.
CONTACT:
Skyya Communications, Susan Donahue, (646) 454-9378, susan.donahue@skyya.com
SPOT LLC, Derek Moore, (408) 933-4112, derek.moore@findmespot.com