VANCOUVER, BC -- (MARKET WIRE) -- August 7, 2006 -- Norsat International Inc. (TSX: NII) (OTCBB: NSATF) announced today that it has launched a Hurricane Preparedness Program. The program is directed at first responders and disaster preparedness groups. It offers government and civilian agencies the opportunity to rapidly re-establish critical communications in the aftermath of a storm.
The Norsat Hurricane Preparedness Program provides a comprehensive set of solutions that includes portable satellite systems, on-demand satellite capacity and a comprehensive suite of technical services. Customers can choose from a variety of plans including purchase, lease-to-own, trade-in and rental options for both INMARSAT terminals and portable satellite terminals. The program will remain in effect until the end of the hurricane season.
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting another active North Atlantic hurricane season with an 80% chance of above-normal activity. In all, the NOAA is predicting 13 to 16 named storms, 8 to 10 hurricanes, and 4 to 6 major hurricanes. Last year, there were 28 named storms, 15 hurricanes, 7 major hurricanes including 4 that hit Category 5. Experts predict that Global Warming will increase both the frequency and severity of these storms.
"As we enter into the more active part of the Hurricane season, it is imperative that first responders are equipped with the most flexible portable satellite solutions," says Bill Coyne, President and CEO, Norsat International. "Satellite solutions should be a critical part of every agency's crisis communications infrastructure. These solutions ensure that emergency response capabilities will be available when a natural disaster strikes. The impact of Katrina and Rita showed that satellite solutions have both the survivability and flexibility to ensure ongoing communications in the event of a catastrophic disaster and are essential ingredients to an effective response program."
Customers can call 1.877.611.0900 to inquire about the special Hurricane Preparedness Program.
The information should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements, related notes included therein and Management Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2005. All the Company's financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada (Canadian GAAP). Additional information from the year ended December 31, 2005, and other information related to the Company, may be found on the company's website at www.norsat.com.
Norsat International Inc. designs, engineers and markets intelligent satellite solutions for high-speed data transmission. For more than 25 years, Norsat has built a strong reputation in the field of satellite technology by providing its customers with innovative products. Norsat's latest innovations include the Norsat OmniLink TM and GLOBETrekker lines of portable satellite terminal products that provide rapidly deployable broadband satellite data and video connectivity in areas where traditional communications infrastructure is insufficient, damaged, or non-existent. Additional information is available at www.norsat.com. Additional investor information is available through email at communications_investorrelations@Norsat.com or by phone, 1-604-292-9000 or toll-free in Canada and the U.S., 1-888-667-7281.