Globalstar Europe Satellite Services Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc. (NYSE American: GSAT), the next-generation international telecommunications infrastructure and technology provider, announced today that UK specialist wireless and satellite technology reseller, Global Telesat Communications (GTC), a subsidiary of NextPlat Corp. (NASDAQ: NXPL), has surpassed the landmark milestone of 45,000 Globalstar devices sold.
One of Europe’s most successful resellers of Globalstar’s SPOT satellite-enabled GPS messengers, GTC supplies individuals and organisations with robust, practical and affordable SPOT Gen4, SPOT X Bluetooth and SPOT Trace. GTC’s wide range of organisational customers embraces an array of commercial and non-commercial entities to safeguard lone and at-risk workers. These include disaster relief agencies, energy and utilities suppliers such as Scottish Water, as well as civil and national defence organisations. GTC also supplies SPOT devices to numerous private and public organisations keen to protect staff involved in potentially hazardous forest management work.
Meanwhile, GTC continues to count outdoor adventurers and sportspeople among its growing customer base for popular SPOT products.
All these users recognise that whenever their activities take them beyond the reach of existing cellular networks or other terrestrial communications systems, only satellite technology can provide trustworthy and ubiquitous connectivity.
“SPOT devices have an enduring appeal, even in today’s competitive marketplace,” says David Phipps, CEO of Global Operations of NextPlat Corp, and Managing Director of GTC. “Their inherent simplicity, easy operation and economical price make SPOT an ideal choice for users in a wide variety of applications.”
Phipps also points to network reliability and reach as key drivers of SPOT’s ongoing market success: “Globalstar’s robust network and near-global coverage are also key factors in why consumers and organisations choose SPOT,” he says.
Thanks to the SPOT family of satellite GPS messengers, this wide range of users can instantly transmit their GPS location via satellite, and check in with colleagues, friends and family with SPOT’s messaging function. With SPOT’s one-touch SOS button, faced with an emergency, users can summon colleagues or first responders via SPOT’s 24/7 Search and Rescue Services.
Globalstar recently marked the milestone of the 10,000th rescue made possible by Globalstar devices, including SPOT.
“Additionally, Globalstar’s economical and flexible SPOT airtime packages deliver great value, and ensure users benefit from reliable, ubiquitous satellite connectivity in plans that meet their needs,” Phipps adds.
Globalstar’s compact and cost-effective devices provide reliable, near-global coverage thanks to Globalstar’s next-generation Low-Earth Orbit satellite network.
GTC has also seen expansive growth in uptake for Globalstar’s commercial IoT devices. Phipps reports that demand for SmartOne C, GTC’s bestseller in this category, continues apace. “SmartOne C keeps going from strength to strength: The range of applications for SmartOne C and Globalstar’s other commercial satellite IoT products keeps expanding every year,” says Phipps.
Tracking of shipping containers, heavy equipment, boats and road vehicles are just some of the requirements being satisfied by SmartOne devices provided to customers by GTC.
Recent GTC-facilitated deployments of Globalstar’s IoT solutions include tracking equipment and workers in the construction industry, agriculture, and protection for staff working with environmental agencies and historical preservation organisations.
In the marine sector, fleet owners are tracking and optimising management of seafaring vessels with SmartOne, and providing emergency rescue support with the help of SPOT Gen4. Elsewhere, SPOT devices are safeguarding participants on adventure trips by Duke of Edinburgh candidates, scout groups and schools.
The applications of Globalstar innovations that embrace the Internet of Things to solve real-world challenges continue to grow. NATO, for one, procured its SPOT Trace devices from GTC to study ocean current movement using buoys.
A GTC customer in New Zealand uses SmartOne C and SPOT Trace for a novel beehive optimisation platform that helps manuka honey producers improve yields. When a hive fitted with SmartOne C reaches optimum weight, the owner is alerted that it’s time to harvest. Meanwhile, SPOT Trace units are helping protect the valuable hives from theft.
Always-on connectivity and real-time tracking capabilities are assured, even in remote or challenging environments where traditional telecom networks may be unavailable.
GTC’s own SolarTrack asset tracking system has also seen increasing uptake. SolarTrack incorporates GSatSolar, part of the Globalstar commercial IoT solutions portfolio. With tiny, lightweight GSatSolar at its heart, SolarTrack enables economical, low-maintenance long-term tracking by using the power of the Sun.
“We offer huge congratulations to GTC in achieving this landmark milestone,” said Mark O’Connell, Globalstar EMEA & APAC General Manager. “With its steadfast commitment to innovation and keeping customers front-of-mind, GTC continues to play a vital role in enabling a wide range of organisations and individuals to benefit from Globalstar satellite technology,” he added.