[Satellite TODAY 02-09-10] Globalstar signed a joint venture agreement with mobile satellite voice and data provider Arion Communication to form Globalstar Asia Pacific, the companies announced Feb. 8.
    The joint venture will operate the Globalstar gateway ground station in Korea and provide Simplex and duplex mobile satellite voice and data services, including Spot Satellite GPS Messenger products and services, to customers in Korea and the surrounding maritime region. Arion will provide services while Globalstar will provide engineering and technical training and personnel support required for Globalstar Asia Pacific to operate the Korean Globalstar gateway.
    The companies also confirmed that Globalstar Asia Pacific will work to acquire the existing gateway in Seoul from LG Telecom, which has been Globalstar’s service provider in the region since 2001. The acquisition and license transfer are subject to approval by the Korea Communications Commission, which is expected in the next few weeks.
    “This joint venture combines Arion’s expertise in delivering maritime messaging and vessel monitoring solutions with Globalstar’s ability to provide high quality and affordable mobile satellite services to areas beyond the reach of terrestrial wireless communications,” Globalstar CEO Peter Dalton said in a statement.

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