[SatNews] A variety of duplex products are now being made available to the French market, via a new authorized distribution agreement...

Globalstar Europe Satellite Services Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc. (NASDAQ: GSAT) has signed an authorized distribution agreement with IEC Telecom, one of the leading providers of satellite-based voice and Internet services with offices in Paris, Dubai, Bristol, Singapore and Congo. IEC Telecom will act as the National Distributor for Globalstar’s suite of duplex products to resellers, retailers and consumers within the French Mainland Territory. As part of the service agreement, IEC Telecom will roll out Globalstar’s current and future voice/data/tracking services within France. The France-based IEC Telecom will provide Globalstar services to maritime (commercial, fishing, leisure and yachting) and enterprise customers such as UN/NGOs, oil and gas and other multinational companies or individuals, via their established re-seller channel. The Globalstar second-generation (2G) constellation is designed to have a 15-year service life.

The first six 2G satellites were launched in October of 2010 and are now operational, providing service throughout Europe. Globalstar expects to conduct three additional launches of six satellites per launch. The new constellation is expected to provide Globalstar customers with long-term, high quality and reliable satellite voice and data services.

"This exceptional partnership between Globalstar and IEC Telecom Group is about consolidating efforts to offer a new alternative to customers with some highly recognized services such as unlimited monthly plans. There are many people and enterprises that require, but do not have the ability to stay connected whilst out of cellular or terrestrial coverage. Together we want to change this and the Globalstar service is an exciting answer to this Paradigm shift” said Erwan Emilian, IEC Telecom Group CEO. ”IEC Telecom Group is one of Europe’s leading suppliers of mobile satellite commercial market products and services,” said Jim Mandala, General Manager, Canada and Europe Sales. “As we prepare to launch and deploy our 2G constellation of satellites, we are very pleased that IEC Telecom has chosen to offer their customers Globalstar’s unique line-up of high quality MSS voice, duplex data, SPOT and Simplex asset tracking solutions.”