Centra Worldwide and Globalstar Sign Distribution Agreement for Satellite Phone Hardware

Business Wire, July 14, 2000

Business Editors and High-Tech/Telecommunications Writers

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 14, 2000

Centra Worldwide(TM) Inc., a leader in global logistics management, today announced that it has been selected by Globalstar L.P., a leading provider of satellite telecommunications, as worldwide distributor for its Fixed Access Unit (FAU) phone hardware.

Centra will distribute the FAU, manufactured by Ericsson, and all related accessories. The agreement calls for Centra to provide comprehensive product-related configuration, warehousing, management, fulfillment and sales support services for the FAU to Globalstar service providers and resellers around the world.

"A worldwide distribution agreement of this scale emphasizes the value of Centra's world-class abilities and technologies," explained Brett Macker, Vice President of Centra. "It also opens the door for us into a market whose growth is exceeded only by its potential."

According to Mark Oskowsky, Globalstar Product Manager, "Centra gives us the ideal combination of resources, technology and expertise to meet the special needs of our FAU system buyers and resellers."

Oskowsky further stated: "Our FAU buyers are searching for a means to facilitate the communication of mission-critical product status information from their remote operations. Centra's online inventory tracking and real-time access to information provide that, and give our resellers access to inventory information and fulfillment status, which allows us to deliver solutions more efficiently."

The Globalstar FAU is designed to provide direct access to the Globalstar satellite system's telephone service for individuals and organizations operating from fixed locations in remote areas beyond the coverage of traditional land-based telecommunications systems. The FAU is placed on a rooftop, or elsewhere outdoors where it has a clear view of the sky, and is wired to normal telephones inside.

With a standard analog trunk interface, the FAU can be connected to any PABX or key telephone system, allowing subscribers to place or receive calls with the rest of the world, using the Globalstar system and the public telephone network.

About Centra

Centra Worldwide Inc., a subsidiary of The Suddath Companies, is a leader in global logistics management. With more than 25 years of experience, Centra's expertise encompasses a wide range of industries that include Telecommunications, Space & Communications, Aerospace, Computer Systems and Components, B2B/B2C e-commerce, and International Landscaping & Horticulture distribution. Visit Centra's Web site at www.centraworld.com for more information.

About Globalstar

Globalstar, led by founding partner Loral Space & Communications, is a partnership of the world's leading telecommunications service providers and equipment manufacturers, including co-founder QUALCOMM Inc., Alenia, China Telecom (HK), DACOM, DaimlerChrysler Aerospace, Elsacom (a Finmeccanica Company), Hyundai, TE.SA.M (a France Telecom/Alcatel company), Space Systems/Loral, and Vodafone Airtouch. For more information, visit Globalstar's Web site at www.globalstar.com.