"The TCU gateway upgrades represent a significant milestone for the company as we prepare for the launch of our new satellites," said Peter Dalton, Chief Executive Officer, Globalstar, Inc. "We anticipate that 2010 will be a game-changing year for Globalstar. We expect to continue introducing new consumer Simplex solutions such as the new satellite GPS communicator we announced jointly with DeLorme last week at the Consumer Electronics Show. Of equal significance, these planned gateway upgrades help pave the way for the launch and management of our new satellites and all the potential associated with our next-generation constellation. Once deployed we will not only continue building upon our reputation as the leading provider of high-quality consumer Simplex satellite GPS and messaging products, but also re-focus our energies on providing world-class two-way satellite voice and duplex data solutions."
Once the satellites are deployed and operational, the TCU upgrades will also provide Globalstar with the enhanced ability to communicate with and monitor the condition of its new constellation from the Company's two satellite operations and control center locations in California. The new satellites are expected to provide Globalstar customers with enhanced next-generation and legacy global satellite services beyond 2025.
The new Globalstar gateway upgrades are being provided by Thales Alenia Space. Globalstar also signed an agreement with Thales Alenia Space in November of 2006 for the design, manufacture and delivery of up to 48 new Globalstar second-generation satellites. Globalstar expects to complete the TCU gateway upgrades and begin taking delivery of its new satellites in the spring.