Newsroom
Stratos Donation of Mobile Satellite Systems Provides Essential Remote Communications for "Jane's Ride Across America"
BETHESDA, MD (July 6, 2006) - Stratos Global Corp. (TSX: SGB) today announced it has donated a package of mobile satellite communications products and services to Jane Tomlinson for "Jane's Ride Across America" - a cross-country cycling event that began July 1 and expects to raise $2 million for cancer and children's charities worldwide.
Tomlinson, 42, has led charitable fundraising efforts through Jane's Appeal ( www.janesappeal.com) since being diagnosed with terminal breast cancer in 2000. At the time of her diagnosis, Tomlinson's doctors estimated she would survive only six months. "Jane's Ride Across America" began in San Francisco and will end in Newark, NJ on August 31, covering a distance of 4,214 miles. It is the greatest endurance feat ever attempted by a person with terminal cancer. Tomlinson will be accompanied on the ride by two other cyclists.
To provide the cycling team with reliable voice and high-speed data communications services on the cross-country trip, Stratos has donated a Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) system and airtime. Stratos BGAN mobile satellite systems are ideal for professionals who need dependable, secure voice and broadband access in locations lacking a reliable communications infrastructure. Stratos also has donated three Iridium satellite phones to the team, along with discounted airtime rates.
Stratos President & Chief Executive Officer Jim Parm said, "We appreciate the opportunity to provide vital communications to Jane as she accomplishes this historic ride. Stratos' state-of-the-art mobile satellite communications systems will ensure that Jane and her team have the equipment necessary to embark on a safe and successful journey, while raising awareness as well as funds for a very important cause."
This dependable communications access will be especially important for Tomlinson and her cycling partners as they travel through mountain ranges and long stretches of desert where other wireless communications services are either unreliable or non-existent. Using compact, lightweight satellite terminals about the size of small laptop PCs, Stratos BGAN systems offer IP data speeds of up to 492 kbps.
Tomlinson and her team will use the communications systems to conduct interviews with journalists worldwide, post diary entries to the Jane's Appeal website, and maintain contact with benefactors, event organizers, friends and family. Those wishing to make a donation or follow event progress can visit www.janesappeal.com.
About Stratos
Stratos Global Corporation (www.stratosglobal.com) is a publicly traded company (TSX: SGB) and the leading global provider of a wide range of advanced mobile and fixed-site remote communications solutions for users operating beyond the reach of traditional networks. With its owned-and-operated infrastructure and extensive portfolio of industry-leading satellite and microwave technologies (including Inmarsat, Iridium, Globalstar, MSAT, VSAT, and others), Stratos serves the voice and high-speed data connectivity requirements of a diverse array of markets, including government, military, energy, industrial, maritime, aeronautical, enterprise, media and recreational users throughout the world.
For additional information :
Carla Riggs
Director, Corporate Communications
+1 709 748 4857
carla.riggs@stratosglobal.com