[Satellite Today – 2-21-08] Globalstar Inc. has received approval from the Brazilian Agencia Nacional de Telecomunicacoes to purchase a Globalstar independent gateway operator from Loral Space and Communications Inc., Globalstar announced Feb. 21.
    The acquisition will allow Globalstar to expand its Simplex data coverage in South America and engage in discussions with potential partners to provide ancillary terrestrial component-type services in Brazil. Globalstar has begun installing Simplex data hardware upgrades at the gateway located in Petrolina, Brazil. The upgrades will permit Globalstar to expand its Simplex data coverage throughout all of Brazil, into parts of northeastern Argentina and the Atlantic coastal maritime region.
    “Globalstar is a step closer to having direct access to an estimated market of approximately 200 million people for our satellite voice and integrated Duplex data products, plus we have already started the upgrades needed to support Simplex data products such as the Spot,” Jay Monroe, chairman and CEO of Globalstar, said in a statement. “The agreement is part of our ongoing strategy of expanding and improving Globalstar’s service offerings for international customers roaming in the region as well as domestic users in Brazil.”