COLUMBIA, Md., 5 Oct. 2005. Spectrum Signal Processing today announced a $1 million contract with Globalstar LLC as the first stage of a broader satellite gateway upgrade to provide Globalstar's customers with enhanced asset tracking functionality.
The initial contract for the supply of SDR-3000 hardware, software and related application engineering services is expected to be complete by early 2006.
Following this, Globalstar will conduct test and validation procedures related to the upgraded software-defined gateway functionality. Upon successful validation, Globalstar is expected to upgrade a portion of its network. If effected, each gateway upgrade will require approximately $500,000 of Spectrum hardware and engineering services.
Certain government, homeland security and emergency response customers such as the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are challenging Globalstar to provide enhanced asset tracking. Globalstar is responding by software-defining its satellite gateway infrastructure to accommodate the complex waveforms required by such applications and to enable a variety of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) based asset tracking applications.
"Globalstar can only remain a leader in the satellite communications market by profitably anticipating and addressing its customers' needs," stated Anthony Navarra, president of Globalstar. "Spectrum's software defined radio expertise will assist us immeasurably in accommodating the advanced waveforms required by our customers."
"Our customers, whether commercial or government, rely upon Spectrum to provide them with leading-edge, commercially available solutions that reduce the time, cost and technical risks of their programs," stated James P. Atkins, president of Spectrum Signal Processing (USA) Inc. "This is a very significant opportunity for Spectrum that solidifies our strong position in satellite communications applications."
Spectrum's flexComm SDR-3000 software defined radio transceiver platform is designed specifically for the implementation of dynamically reconfigurable, high-performance, high-density CompactPCI-based software defined radios. The SDR-3000 supports hundreds of simultaneous transmit and receive channels, each with an independent air interface protocol. Virtually any air interface can be supported by the SDR-3000 platform, making it ideally suited for use in military communications, electronic warfare, signals intelligence, spectrum monitoring, satellite communications and test and measurement. For more information, see www.spectrumsignal.com/products/sdr/sdr_3000.asp.
Globalstar LLC offers high value, quality satellite voice and data services to commercial and recreational users from virtually anywhere in more than 120 countries. The company's voice and data products include mobile and fixed satellite units, simplex and duplex satellite data modems and flexible service packages. Many industries benefit from Globalstar with increased productivity from remote areas beyond cellular and landline service. Global customer segments include: oil and gas, government, mining, forestry, commercial fishing, utilities, military, transportation, heavy construction, as well as individual users. For more information, see www.globalstar.com.
Spectrum Signal Processing Inc. supplies software defined platforms for defense electronics applications. Spectrum's products and services are optimized for military communications, signals intelligence, surveillance, electronic warfare and satellite communications applications. Spectrum's integrated, application-ready products provide its customers with compelling time-to-market and performance advantages while mitigating program risk and cost parameters. Spectrum Signal Processing (USA) Inc., based in Columbia, Md., provides applications engineering services and modified commercial-off-the-shelf platforms to the U.S. government, its allies and its prime contractors. For more information, see www.spectrumsignal.com.
