Comsat Granted Access to Domestic U.S. Market

Historic FCC ruling allows domestic use of CMC's aeronautical, land mobile and maritime services via the Inmarsat Satellite System Ruling Provides More Satellite Communications Options to Agencies, Relief Organizations and Businesses Operating in the U.S. Comsat Mobile Communications (CMC), a business unit of Lockheed Martin Global Telecommunications, announced that it has received authority from the FederalCommunications Commission (FCC) to provide domestic land mobile, maritime, and aeronautical mobile satellite communications services throughout the United States and its territories via the Inmarsat satellite system. This authority is granted in anticipation of the conduct of an IPO by Inmarsat as required by the 2000 Federal ORBIT Act. All of CMC's voice, data, and high-speed data services -- including Direct Internet access, e-mail, and fax -- are included in this ruling.

The FCC's order is based on the Commission's conclusion that the 1999 privatization of Inmarsat, a former intergovernmental organization, is consistent with the criteria set forth in ORBIT. The FCC noted that this change will make available to U.S. consumers more competitive options and enhance operational efficiency.

The ruling also includes a blanket CMC license for up to 1,000 each Inmarsat-B, C, M, Mini-M and M-4 terminals. This blanket licensing will permit CMC's customers to use these mobile satellite communications terminals in the U.S. without the operator having to obtain an individual terminal license, sparing customers the time and effort of filing and waiting for a U.S. license.

"The FCC's decision makes it easier and more practical for current and new customers to use CMC's mobile satellite communications services in the U.S.," said Kathryn Y. Holman, vice president and general manager of COMSAT Mobile Communications.

"Customers throughout the U.S. regardless if they are on the ground, in the air, or on the water can now use CMC's services and value added features to meet their mobile communications requirements. The ruling will also benefit relief agencies seeking additional, reliable ways to communicate in times of urgent need."

COMSAT Mobile Communications (CMC) provides service over Inmarsat satellites in geosynchronous orbit 22,300 miles above the equator, in combination with COMSAT's global network of land earth stations and 24-hour customer support. CMC offers maritime, aeronautical, and land mobile satellite services to customers around the world via the Inmarsat satellite system.

Lockheed Martin Global Telecommunications (LMGT), a wholly owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE: LMT), delivers secure, reliable, advanced-technology solutions to help enterprise customers leverage their telecommunications and information technology assets.