COVINGTON, La., Sept. 10, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the traditional peak of the Atlantic hurricane season arrives this week, Globalstar, Inc. (NYSE MKT:GSAT) has announced that it has joined forces with Lt. General Russel L. Honoré, U.S. Army (Retired) in an initiative to raise awareness of the critical need for reliable communications before, during and after natural disasters and times of crisis.
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, where thousands of Globalstar phones were relied upon for communication. In addition, he has served in a variety of planning and response operations, including Hurricanes Floyd in 1999, Isabel in 2003, Charley, Frances and Ivan in 2004, and has also planned and supported U.S. Military response abroad.
"All it takes is just one event, be it a hurricane, tornado, wildfire or earthquake, to wreak havoc on our traditional lines of communication," said Honoré. "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 best satellite voice quality and fastest MSS data speeds on the world's newest satellite network."
"We are thrilled that Gen. Honoré has teamed up with us to get the word out about the need for affordable products that deliver reliable communications outside of cellular," said Jay Monroe, Chairman and CEO of Globalstar. "With his proven leadership and insights on disaster recovery and preparedness, we know our current and future 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 unavailable or unreliable."
Key products for your emergency communications plan:
GSP-1700 Satellite Phone
Globalstar's lightweight, easy to use voice and data enabled GSP-1700 satellite phone provides industry-leading, crystal clear voice quality for users requiring reliable connectivity outside the range of cellular service. The GSP-1700 ($499) is the most inexpensive satellite phone available, with plans starting at just $24.99.
Paired with the just released Globalstar 9600 data solution ($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 most modern satellite network.
Globalstar Sat Fi™
With Sat-Fi ($999), Globalstar customers can use their current smartphones, tablets and laptops to send and receive communications when traveling beyond cellular. With Sat-Fi, workers in industries such as oil & gas, marine, natural resources and emergency response 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. Through a convenient smartphone app which enables connectivity between any Wi-Fi-enabled device and the Sat-Fi satellite hot spot, subscribers can easily send and receive email and SMS text messages and make voice calls from their own device.
GSP-2900 Satellite Fixed Phone System
Globalstar's GSP-2900 satellite fixed phone system ($1,499) is ideal for business or home owners during a power loss. The system is installed safely and securely on a rooftop to bring a working phone line inside that can be connected to any standard phone. The GSP-2900 provides convenient fixed access to satellite voice and data services, including Internet, e-mail and voicemail. The GSP-2900 also works with the 9600 data solution.
Spot Gen3™
The SPOT Gen3 ($149.95) is the latest version of the popular SPOT tracker, which offers critical, lifesaving technology and GPS tracking powered by satellite. As the leader in personal tracking, SPOT products have been used to initiate 3,000 rescues around the world since the technology's launch in 2007.
SPOT Gen 3 allows users multiple tracking options, ranging from 2 ½ to 60 minutes. In addition, Gen 3 provides an alert for rescue, transmitting an S.O.S. notification with GPS location to GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center, which is critical when moments truly count after a natural disaster. In addition, the "Check in" feature lets friends and family know the user is OK.
Spot Trace™
SPOT Trace ($99.95) is perfect for users who need to monitor important assets, which are critical to keep track of when natural disasters occur. Customers can view their car, boat, ATV, motorcycle or other asset's GPS coordinates online 24 hours a day in near real-time via the SPOT App or Google MapsTM. With up to 18 months of battery life, affordable rate plans and satellite coverage that goes beyond the reach of cellular coverage, there is no comparable product on the market to track anything, anytime, anywhere.
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 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. 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.