Corporate News
ORBCOMM RESELLER SKYMATE RECEIVES NOAA TYPE APPROVAL FOR ITS VESSEL MONITORING SYSTEM
Services include position tracking, weather, fish prices, navigation, email.
Dulles, VA, January 11, 2007 - ORBCOMM (Nasdaq; ORBC), a global satellite telecommunications company, today announced that its Value-Added Reseller (“VAR”), SkyMate Inc., a marine satellite communications systems provider, has received full type approval from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for its enhanced Vessel Monitoring System (VMS). The ruling is the latest of several U.S. Government approvals of SkyMate’s unique PC software-based messaging terminal, which complements its VMS tracking system hardware, which was approved in 2003.
Increasing numbers of commercial fishermen are required to install and operate tracking systems on their vessels to meet government regulations, including reef fishermen in the Southeast, who are facing a March 7 compliance deadline. SkyMate’s recent type approval gives these fishermen a new, lower-cost option with additional features that help them to manage their fishing business. Using SkyMate’s low-cost email, forms, and weather services, fishermen can now stay in touch with shore, fish more safely and coordinate with buyers and suppliers to increase revenue and reduce costs.
"ORBCOMM's ability to provide communications that meet the rigorous requirements for VMS set forth by NOAA illustrates how our satellite network can be used to support government initiatives and users in the marine market with cost effective solutions," said Greg Flessate, Vice President, Sales and Government Services for ORBCOMM. "We are proud to continue to provide services to NOAA through value added resellers such as SkyMate.”
“NOAA’s approval is good news for Southeast reef fishermen looking for a complete, compact, reliable and low-cost tracking system,” said SkyMate President John Tandler. “SkyMate is committed to the commercial fishing industry, and it is gratifying that NOAA has reaffirmed its confidence in SkyMate’s ability to offer reliable products and services to this market.”
Through SkyMate and other VARs, ORBCOMM is now approved to provide data communications for fisheries applications in several territories of the US, Canada and other countries around the globe.
About ORBCOMM
ORBCOMM is a global satellite data communications company that provides reliable, cost-effective data communications services to customers around the world through its unique low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite network and global ground infrastructure. A diverse customer base, including industry leaders General Electric, Caterpillar Inc., Volvo Group, XATA, Hitachi and Komatsu, uses ORBCOMM services to track, monitor and control mobile and fixed assets, including trucks, containers, marine vessels, locomotives, heavy machinery, pipelines, oil wells, utility meters and storage tanks anywhere in the world. For more information call 1-800-ORBCOMM or visit its website at www.orbcomm.com.
About SkyMate
Founded by industry-recognized satellite communications experts, SkyMate developed its wireless systems with a mission to make high- quality, reliable satellite data delivery affordable to boaters and the marine industry. Company executives hold several US patents for innovations in satellite design and operation, and have over 25 years of combined experience in design, development, and engineering of satellite systems. The company is based in the Dulles Technology Corridor in Chantilly, VA.
Contacts
Investor Inquiries:
Robert Costantini
Chief Financial Officer, ORBCOMM Inc.
703-433-6305
Costantini.robert@orbcomm.com
Media Inquiries:
Jennifer Lattif
The Abernathy MacGregor Group
212-371-5999
jcl@abmac.com