The gateway is already constructed, and will provide mobile satellite voice and data services to all of Saudi Arabia and throughout parts of the surrounding Middle East region.
Saudi Arabia already ranks third in the world in terms of mobile penetration, according to the ITU, with a penetration rate of 188% . However, the Globalstar transaction crucially provides SAS with access to one of the world’s largest remote petrochemical exploration markets.
Globalstar has undertaken three launches of six satellites each with launch services provider Arianespace, and is planning to launch a further six satellites later this year.
Globalstar and SAS plan to enter into definitive agreements in the near future and will request the necessary licensing approvals from the Saudi Arabian telecommunications regulatory authority.
