The all IP network will be capable of mobile broadcast audio/video, data, and voice GERMANTOWN, Md., May 19
GERMANTOWN, Md., May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Hughes Network Systems, LLC
(HUGHES), the global leader in broadband satellite network solutions and
services, today announced the signing of an agreement with Globalstar, Inc.
(Nasdaq: GSAT) under which Hughes will design, manufacture and implement the
next-generation Radio Access Network (RAN) comprising gateway equipment
initially at Globalstar's locations worldwide with an option to expand to 30
locations, and will design, manufacture, and deliver satellite air interface
chips to be a part of the User Terminal Subsystem (UTS). The initial contract
is valued at $100.8 million.
The all IP, third-generation network will use an air interface (AI)
adapted for Globalstar's second-generation LEO (low earth orbit) satellite
constellation and will provide voice, data, and video with expected speeds of
up to 1 Mb/s in the forward link (to the user terminal) and 256 Kb/s in the
return link (from the user terminal), enabling Globalstar to offer feature
rich applications and services for their mobile satellite subscribers anywhere
in the world. The satellite air interface chip will allow Globalstar to deploy
a wide variety of user terminals and devices.
"We are extremely pleased to award this contract to Hughes and initiate
what we expect will be a long-term and rewarding relationship with the world's
leading provider of satellite broadband networking solutions," said Jay
Monroe, chairman and CEO of Globalstar, Inc. "By signing this agreement we
have completed our second-generation system design and operations plan, paving
the way for our next generation of advanced wireless services. We anticipate
new service offerings could include push-to-talk duplex SMS messaging and a
number of other broadband applications including mobile video. In addition,
this agreement not only provides us with options to fully outfit our entire
ground segment, but it also provides us with continued compatibility with our
first-generation products plus unique flexibility for future upgrades."
"As market leaders in the design and development of mobile satellite
systems and user devices, we are excited to have been selected by Globalstar
as the designer and supplier of their next-generation gateways and satellite
air interface chips for the user terminals," said Pradman Kaul, chairman and
CEO of Hughes. "We look forward to manufacturing and deploying their flexible
ground network and being part of supplying their customers with unique new
solutions that only Globalstar, as a global LEO MSS operator can provide."
About Globalstar, Inc.
Globalstar offers satellite voice and data services to commercial and
recreational users in more than 120 countries around the world. Globalstar'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. Global 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.
For more information regarding Globalstar, please visit Globalstar's web
site at http://www.globalstar.com.
About Hughes Network Systems
Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the global leader in providing
broadband satellite networks and services for large enterprises, governments,
small businesses, and consumers. HughesNet(R) encompasses all broadband
solutions and managed services from Hughes, bridging the best of satellite and
terrestrial technologies. Its broadband satellite products are based on global
standards approved by the TIA, ETSI and ITU standards organizations, including
IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A and GMR-1. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 1.5
million systems to customers in over 100 countries.
Headquartered outside Washington, D.C., in Germantown, Maryland, USA,
Hughes maintains sales and support offices worldwide. Hughes is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: HUGH). For additional
information, please visit http://www.hughes.com.
Hughes Network Systems, LLC. Hughes and HughesNet are registered
trademarks of Hughes Network Systems, LLC.
SOURCE Hughes Network Systems, LLC
