MILPITAS, Calif., April 16, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SPOT LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Globalstar Inc. (Nasdaq:GSAT) and an award-winning leader in personal satellite messaging and emergency communications, today announced that the company's flagship product - the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger(tm) - will now be available at Camping World, the nation's largest and fastest growing RV and outdoor retailer. The product will be available at Camping World's over 75 nationwide SuperCenters plus via their catalog and website. SPOT and Camping World will kick-off their partnership at this week's 10th annual RV Rally located in Albuquerque, New Mexico April 17-20, 2009.
SPOT, the world's first Satellite GPS Messenger, offers a new emergency assistance, personal satellite messaging and automated tracking option for RVers. In addition, travelers will have 24 hour access to roadside assistance throughout North America from SPOT Assist later this spring. The hand-held SPOT safety device sends the user's GPS location coordinates and select messages with a link to Google Maps(tm) over a global satellite network to friends, family, or co-workers, or, in case of an emergency, a rescue coordination center. Because SPOT uses satellite technology, it works from virtually anywhere around the world regardless of cellular service availability.
"We are excited to carry the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger and offer our customers added safety while enjoying the open road," said Buyer Tim Creasy of Camping World. "SPOT offers real value and peace of mind to not only the people traveling but also their families back at home that can receive their status messages and track their routes on Google Maps(tm)."
"The SPOT Satellite Messenger is ideal for anyone who spends time in the outdoors and does not want to depend on cellular service availability to stay connected with loved ones or for safety," said Jake Rembert, vice president of sales, SPOT LLC. "SPOT operates solely on satellite technology providing seamless coverage in North America and beyond. We are very pleased to partner with Camping World to broaden our market to include RV and outdoor consumers who spend a considerable amount of time traveling outside of traditional communications means."
The SPOT Satellite Messenger offers a complete GPS-based safety system which includes four functions that transmit messages based on varying levels of need:
* Help sends a request for help with your location to friends or family * Check In lets contacts know where you are and that you are okay * Track Progress sends and saves your location and allows contacts to track your progress using Google Maps(tm) * Alert 9-1-1 notifies an emergency rescue coordination center of your GPS location
Customers who visit the Camping World booth at The Rally at the Expo New Mexico (the New Mexico State Fairgrounds) are eligible to receive a special show offer on the SPOT Satellite Messenger April 17-20, 2009 only. Visit the SPOT booth number 1204 to learn more about SPOT's innovative satellite technology and personal satellite messaging.
Since its November 2007 introduction, the SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger has helped initiate over 145 rescues on land and at sea, many of which have resulted in lives saved. SPOT users have also transmitted more than 7 million "peace-of-mind" and "track me" messages worldwide.
About Camping World
Founded in 1966, Camping World is America's largest direct marketer and specialty retailer of recreational vehicles and outdoor camping accessories and services. The company grew from a single point location in Bowling Green, KY to operating successful nationwide SuperCenters.
Over the last five years, Camping World has progressively expanded their products and services offering therefore providing consumers with a vast selection, convenience and value. Camping World now operates under the department store model as a one stop shopping destination providing services to enhance and protect the RV lifestyle including: Recreational Vehicle Sales; RV Rentals; RV Service & Collision; over 8,000 RV & outdoor accessories, Performance & Tow centers; Detail & Refurbishment centers known as RV Spa; President's Club customer loyalty program; Campground reservations & directories; RV Finance and Insurance; RV Tours & Travel and a nationally distributed magazine called RV View.
The dynamic Camping World retail network headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois, currently operates in 33 states and serves over 4 million RV enthusiasts.
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 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/