Globalstar Donates Next-Gen SPOT GPS Devices to Assist Appalachian Trail Conservancy with Backcountry Communication and Safety
HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. (Nov. 7, 2018) – Taking care of the remote areas of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) became a bit safer today thanks to Globalstar’s donation of 16 SPOT X satellite messengers to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). These devices will allow ATC staff to remain in contact with support teams and report their positions on sections of the Trail lacking reliable mobile phone coverage.
In addition to GPS tracking capabilities pinpointing the location of the user, each SPOT X device has a dedicated mobile number and allows users to send messages directly to cell phone numbers and other SMS devices. As with previous models, the SPOT X also allows users to request emergency assistance with the press of a button.
“Globalstar’s generous donation will help ensure that Appalachian Trail Conservancy staff can be in contact with its maintaining crews while they work on some of the most secluded parts of the Trail,” said Laura Belleville, ATC vice president of conservation and Trail programs. “These SPOT devices will help our team communicate effectively and work safely in the Appalachian Trail’s wild spaces.”
“We at Globalstar are thrilled to be a part of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s Trail-protection efforts, helping its crew members better communicate and remain safe as they protect this beautiful national treasure,” said Globalstar CEO Dave Kagan. “Our passion is for hikers worldwide to protect and safely enjoy the great outdoors, and we are proud to give a new generation of adventurers that extra bit of security when they step into the backcountry.”
Globalstar has previously provided SPOT location devices for A.T. ridgerunners, ATC staff who monitor Trail conditions and assist hikers in protecting the fragile environment surrounding the Trail. To learn more about this and other ATC trail management programs, visit appalachiantrail.org/ridgerunners.
About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
ATC staff members and ridgerunners will use SPOT X devices to communicate and track their positions in remote Appalachian Trail areas. The ATC was founded in 1925 by volunteers and federal officials working to build a continuous footpath along the Appalachian Mountains. A unit of the National Park Service, the A.T. ranges from Maine to Georgia and is approximately 2,190 miles in length. It is the longest hiking-only footpath in the world. The mission of the ATC is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail – ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come. For more information, please visit www.appalachiantrail.org.
About Globalstar, Inc.
Globalstar is a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services. Customers around the world in industries such as 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, SCADA and IoT 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.
