Stratos Global and Wireless Matrix have announced the signing of an extension to their existing exclusive service agreement for wireless data communications equipment and services to support remote monitoring applications in North America.

The value of the contract, which runs through 2007, is expected to be approximately US$3 million.

Under the terms of the agreement, Wireless Matrix will supply SDX 1100 Fixed Site Data Terminals and Mobile Satellite Data airtime to Stratos for use in business situations requiring remote monitoring.

The majority of sales under the new agreement are expected to enable the monitoring of navigational lights on cellular infrastructure towers over 200 ft. tall.

The FAA mandates that these lights are monitored 24x7x365, and serviced on a quarterly basis, driving the need for a cost-effective, rugged communications system that provides real-time monitoring to ensure air traffic safety.

Stratos just showcased the SDX 1100 and its complete portfolio of advanced remote monitoring solutions at the 77th annual ENTELEC Exposition and Conference, in New Orleans, LA, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

As the exclusive provider of the SDX 1100 in the U.S., Stratos has already placed an order for 600 units under the new agreement, which will be shipped by April 30, 2005.

Additional applications that the Wireless Matrix-Stratos partnership will target include monitoring for radioactive, chemical, and biohazard contamination, as well as water quality, highway safety, and flood control.

“Infrastructure monitoring is an often overlooked area of critical need, and a market with great growth potential for our products and services,” said J. Richard Carlson, president and chief executive officer of Wireless Matrix.

“In the cell tower monitoring area alone, there are an estimated 25,000 towers where the confirmed operation of navigational lights is a matter of safety. We’re excited at the prospect of bringing our data communications products and services to this market through our partnership with Stratos.”

“By replacing multiple terrestrial systems and providers with a consolidated, lower-cost, single-bill service, Stratos and Wireless Matrix have successfully demonstrated the value of our satellite-based remote monitoring solution for the tower industry and other users with installations in hard-to-reach areas,” said Jim Parm, Stratos’ president and chief executive officer.

“With this successful track record to build on, we’re pleased to be extending our exclusive partnership with Wireless Matrix, and we look forward to further expanding our market reach in the years to come.”

Since first partnering with Wireless Matrix in 2001, Stratos has purchased and installed more than 1,250 SDX terminals throughout North America.