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Alcatel Signs On As European Operator for Vistar’s Satellite-Based Asset Tracking and Data Messaging Service

October 5, 1999 (OTTAWA, CANADA) — VISTAR

Vistar today announced that it has signed a comprehensive long term agreement with Alcatel Space. Alcatel Space will set up a subsidiary to become the exclusive provider, throughout Europe, of GlobalWave - Vistar’s unique satellite-based asset tracking and monitoring system.

Vistar’s GlobalWave system provides businesses with real-time monitoring, tracking and control over mobile and fixed assets such as locomotives, railcars, boats, barges, heavy construction equipment, storage facilities, petroleum wellheads and pipelines. GlobalWave provides highly accurate and reliable readings on the status of assets by relaying position and average speed and direction and a whole range of other parameters that can be monitored and controlled. Status reports can be event triggered, issued on demand through polling, or issued on a pre-scheduled basis.

The revolutionary, power-efficient satellite technology at the heart of the GlobalWave system allows compact, battery operated radio terminals, including GPS, to operate reliably and unattended for years without servicing. The system uses existing commercial geostationary satellites to provide a highly reliable and robust communications and control capability – at a much lower cost than any comparable technology on the market.

In July, Vistar initiated GlobalWave commercial service in the North American market using American Mobile’s MSAT satellite system. The agreement with Alcatel will provide coverage of the entire European continent using the Inmarsat III satellite.

"We’ve developed the ultimate system for the management and tracking of remote and mobile assets because our terminals can operate reliably on batteries for years," says Vistar’s president and CEO, Dr. Michael Zuliani. " For instance, a railroad company can install a very small terminal on a railcar, and not have to be concerned about managing the logistics of regularly recharging the batteries on the unit via the train line or some other power source. We’ve had enormous interest in our product from around the world and we’re looking forward to working with Alcatel in the European market, as well as our other regional partners to establish a global capability."

Alcatel anticipates that there will be a high demand for the Global Wave system in the European market. "We are convinced that the GlobalWave system is the most advanced asset monitoring and tracking system available with the best technology for the European market."

Vistar has offices in the United States and Canada and is a leader in creating and supplying end-to-end satellite and hybrid satellite/terrestrial wireless data products and services. Vistar is backed by BCE Inc., Canada’s largest communications company.

About VISTAR Telecommunications

VISTAR is a leader in creating and supplying end-to-end satellite and hybrid satellite/terrestrial wireless data products and services. Backed by one of North America's leading communications companies, VISTAR designs, develops and markets breakthrough technology that helps customers around the world improve their business operations.

About VISTAR Datacom

Located in Washington, D.C., VISTAR Datacom is a subsidiary of VISTAR Telecommunications. GlobalWave is a satellite based data-gathering system, designed and built by Vistar, that allows users to significantly increase operating efficiency.

For more information, contact:

Mike Gallagher
United States: Washington, D.C.
Canada: Ottawa, Ontario
Telephone: (800) 278-4310
Fax: (613) 230-4940
E-mail: mgallagher@vistardata.com