GlobalStar Introduces Data Services On Satellite Network

December 18, 2000 (San Francisco) - Today Vodafone Group Plc. subsidiaries Globalstar USA, Globalstar Caribbean, and Globalstar Canada, the exclusive providers of Globalstar's satellite-based mobile communications in their regions, jointly launched Globalstar Data Services with Internet Access. This marks the first packet data service available through the Globalstar network and opens a range of possible consumer and industrial applications. Globalstar Internet Access, the first commercial application of this data service, makes it possible to use the Globalstar phone like a wireless modem when away from a traditional landline or out of cellular range. The current model Globalstar GSP-1600 phone by Qualcomm attaches via data cable to a laptop computer or a personal digital assistant (PDA), enabling remote access to applications such as Internet sites, search engines, most consumer email and instant messaging. The service runs through the user's existing software and applications with no change of e-mail address, passwords, browser or home page necessary. "Data is a significant advance in Globalstar's capability and I expect that new and creative alternative uses will develop for this technology in the future," said Dennis McSweeney, vice president and general manager for Globalstar USA. "The remote user has had few resources for communications and we intend to break that wide open." Programming modifications have been made to the gateways in Smith Falls, Ontario, Canada; High River, Alberta, Canada; Clifton, Texas, United States; and the new gateway in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico. These modifications allow the gateways to recognize and transmit packetized data in addition to voice through Globalstar satellite systems using Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology from Qualcomm. Globalstar Data Service transfers data at 9600 bits per second, a rate faster than traditional mobile satellite service providers. Internet Access data service is billed at the same rate per minute as voice service, with no additional monthly charge. Data specific billing programs will be considered as the service develops.

Availability

Individuals and businesses can purchase Globalstar phones and service, including data, through Globalstar USA and Globalstar Caribbean distributors. As the exclusive Globalstar service providers in the United States and the Caribbean, Globalstar USA and Globalstar Caribbean are responsible for marketing, selling and distributing mobile satellite communications service, including billing and customer care operations, as well as building and operating the United States and Caribbean ground stations, or "gateways," which switch calls to and from the satellite to the land-based public switched telephone network. Globalstar USA and Globalstar Caribbean are wholly owned subsidiaries of Vodafone Group Plc. (NYSE:VOD), which is a partner of Globalstar Limited Partnership (Nasdaq:GSTRF), the partnership of the world's leading telecommunications service providers and equipment manufactures that built, owns and operates the satellite network. For more information visit our website at www.globalstarusa.com.

About Globalstar Canada

Globalstar Canada is a partnership of Canadian Satellite Communications (Cancom), Loral Space & Communications and Vodafone Group Plc. Globalstar Canada supplies Globalstar services to Canadian subscribers through earth station gateways located in Smiths Falls, Ontario and High River, Alberta.

About Vodafone Group Plc.

Vodafone Group Plc., based in the United Kingdom, is the world's largest wireless communications company. Vodafone has mobile operations in 25 countries on five continents, with more than 65 million proportionate cellular customers. Vodafone, through its subsidiaries and joint ventures, is the service provider for Globalstar in a total of 15 countries across North America, the Caribbean, Europe, Southern Africa and Australia. Vodafone has an approximate eight-percent holding in the Globalstar Limited Partnership.