[Satellite Today – 3-27-08] Globalstar Inc. reseller Open Range Communications Inc. has secured approval for a $267 million broadband loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Program, Globalstar announced March 27.
    Globalstar signed an agreement in late 2007 with Open Range permitting the company to deploy wireless broadband service in rural America using Globalstar’s ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) authority. The service will use Globalstar spectrum’s to offer satellite-based and terrestrial WiMax services to more than 500 rural communities that do not have adequate access to terrestrial-based broadband voice and data services. Customers outside of the WiMax coverage area will be able to use Globalstar service over the satellites. The agreement is contingent on various conditions, including Globalstar’s receipt of authority from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to use an expanded portion of its licensed spectrum for ATC services.
    "Globalstar is extremely excited because this financing approval moves Open Range a step closer to meeting the wireless broadband needs of unserved and underserved rural Americans using our ATC authorized spectrum," Jay Monroe, chairman and CEO of Globalstar, said in a statement. "We believe this agreement establishes a framework for how global spectrum may be used more efficiently to the benefit of Globalstar, our partners and our customers."