OrbComm has launched commercial operations in Japan via a local service partner OrbComm Japan Ltd, with acceptance testing of its gateway, comprising a gateway Earth station and a gateway control center completed.
OrbComm Japan has been awarded a license from Japan's Kanto Bureau of Telecommunications for its ground infrastructure and a Radio License for its small fixed or mobile subscriber communicators. OrbComm Japan is developing applications that include tracking and two-way communications for mobile assets and monitoring of remote environmental sites and industrial equipment.
"It is our great pleasure to announce the official inauguration of our commercial services," said Nobuyuki Hori, President of OrbComm Japan. "Three years have passed since we established OrbComm Japan Planning Co., the predecessor of OrbComm Japan. During this period, we have been engaged in extensive marketing efforts in Japan as well as in obtaining all the necessary regulatory approvals. For the past 12 months, we have used our gateway for testing purposes and to demonstrate the OrbComm system to potential customers. Given this experience, and the fact that OrbComm Japan already has several firm orders in hand, we are confident that there is a bright future for products and services using the OrbComm system in Japan.
"The launch of commercial service in Japan is a milestone achievement for OrbComm and OrbComm Japan," said Scott L. Webster, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of OrbComm. "Japan is one of the largest economies in the world and represents a significant market for OrbComm services. OrbComm Japan has carefully studied its market and has worked tirelessly to make the provision of OrbComm service a reality in Japan. Through OrbComm Japan, businesses will have a cost-effective link to their remote and mobile assets, which is an unprecedented and valuable tool for companies looking to compete in a crowded marketplace."
OrbComm provides two-way monitoring, tracking and messaging services through the world's first low-Earth orbit satellite-based data communications system. OrbComm applications include monitoring of fixed assets such as electric utility meters, oil and gas storage tanks, wells and pipelines and environmental projects; tracking of mobile assets such as trailers, rail cars, heavy equipment, fishing vessels, barges and government assets; and messaging services for consumers and commercial and government entities.
