Northumbrian Water Group Chooses Globalstar's SPOT Gen3 and Lone Worker Solutions to Enhance Staff Safety

11 Jan 2016

Dublin, Ireland, 11 January, 2016 – Globalstar Europe Satellite Services Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Globalstar Inc. (NYSE MKT: GSAT) and the leader in satellite messaging and emergency notification technologies, announced today that its SPOT Gen3TM safety device has been deployed by major UK water provider Northumbrian Water Group (NWG) to track and protect lone and remote workers.

The well-being and safety of NWG’s employees is a top priority and the initial deployment of over 300 SPOT Gen3 devices enhances the safety of 1,500 employees who carry out checks on reservoirs in remote areas, where GSM signal can be unreliable or non-existent.  A “low-risk” category of occasional lone workers, either in offices or in the field, have access to a bespoke smartphone app for summoning help as part of a unique solution developed by Globalstar’s specialist partner, Lone Worker Solutions™, who spearheaded the agreement.

Northumbrian Water Group conducted a lengthy and rigorous competitive selection process involving 46 technology providers before selecting staff security specialists Lone Worker Solutions to provide a hybrid satellite and smartphone solution based around Globalstar’s competitively priced SPOT Gen3. This hybrid approach results in better operational efficiency and the affordability of both the device and subscription fees helps to optimise return on investment.

Lone Worker Solutions provides a unified platform which monitors both voice calls and SMS from smartphones and alert messages from SPOT Gen3s. Calls and SOS alerts go to Lone Worker Solutions’ operation centre and to NWG’s employee support centre for prompt handling. The ability to provide accurate information about all devices in one inclusive interface helps make safety operations seamless and more effective.

Typically, in a safety system deployment, an organisation sets up a shared pool of devices. Instead, Northumbrian Water Group allows its most at-risk staff to have their own SPOT Gen3 device, making operations more efficient as staff do not need to return to central offices to sign devices in and out.

Northumbrian Water - Health, Safety and Environment Consultant Team Leader Diane Somerville commented: “Ensuring the safety and well-being of our staff is an extremely high priority for Northumbrian Water Group and it helps us attract and retain skilled employees. Feedback from staff on the new solution and SPOT has already been overwhelmingly positive. Our employees are telling us that the system is easy to use and we are delighted that we are delivering on our ongoing commitment to constantly ensure that our people are safe while at work while they provide vital services to our customers.”

The LoneWorker Manager™ portal gives Northumbrian Water managers an accurate cross-device snapshot of current and historical system activity. It also provides precise and timely reporting that helps promote health and safety, while facilitating auditing and corporate governance.

George Stavrinidis, Managing Director of Lone Worker Solutions explains: “Enabling managers to see instantly where all front-line personnel are, whether they are carrying a smartphone or SPOT device, without the need to juggle multiple systems, databases and disparate interfaces helps ensure that Northumbrian Water staff receive rapid support when they need it.”

Gavan Murphy, Director of Marketing, EMEA at Globalstar, commented: “Ensuring the safety and welfare of staff is now high on the radar of both corporations and public organisations. With SPOT’s reach, enabled by Globalstar’s second generation satellite network, we are helping providers of key services to improve the welfare of their team members.”

SPOT Gen3 is a rugged, pocket-sized affordable GPS messenger that helps users stay connected via satellite even where there is poor or no GSM signal. It provides off-the-grid messaging, emergency alerts, extra-long battery life and extreme GPS tracking, with track check points capable of taking place as frequently as every 2 ½ minutes.

About Lone Worker Solutions
Lone Worker Solutions Ltd has developed innovative software, LoneWorker Manager™; a multi-functional, secure, web-based system with integrated safety applications. The system offers organisations a complete solution which enables them to manage and protect their lone working personnel. Our business is about protecting employees, managers and shareholders from the risks associated with working alone, by using our leading software platform and expertise. Please visit www.loneworkersolutions.com.

About Globalstar
Globalstar is a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services, leveraging the world’s most modern mobile satellite communications network. Customers around the world in industries like government, emergency management, marine, logging, oil & gas and outdoor recreation rely on Globalstar to conduct business smarter and faster, maintain peace of mind and access emergency personnel. Globalstar data solutions are ideal for various asset and personal tracking, data monitoring and SCADA applications. The Company's products include mobile and fixed satellite telephones, the innovative Sat-Fi satellite hotspot, Simplex and Duplex satellite data modems, tracking devices and flexible service packages. For more information, visit www.globalstar.com.

About Northumbrian Water Group
Northumbrian Water Group supplies 2.7 million customers in the North East with water and wastewater services and 1.8 million customers in Essex and Suffolk with water services.

For media information, please contact:
Gavan Murphy
Globalstar Europe Satellite Services Ltd.
[email protected]

Cynthia Ritchie
White Tiger Communications
[email protected]
+44 7799 768464