OSLO, Norway and ROCKVILLE, Maryland and PORTSMOUTH, New Hampshire -- Global Relief Technologies (GRT) and Telenor Satellite Services have joined forces to provide rapid data management collection capabilities and mobile satellite communications to elements of the 2nd United States Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that are currently assisting victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The equipment and satellite communications service provide the Marines and FEMA responders the ability to immediately collect and transmit critical data with exact GPS coordinates using ruggedized personal data assistants (PDAs) and laptop-sized satellite terminals to the GRT Virtual Network Operation Center (VNOC). The reports are then immediately forwarded to rescue and response command operations centers.

The PDAs were loaded with customized Rapid Data Management Software (RDMS) developed by GRT and then transported directly to the Marine units onboard United States Navy ships deploying into hurricane stricken areas of the Gulf Coast.

The customized software includes reporting capabilities on shelter, water/sanitation, medical, logistics and transportation requirements among others and can be quickly updated via satellite, cellular communications or the Internet. GRT is providing 24/7 secure Web-based data management support to the Marines and relief workers from its VNOC, which is manned by a team of communications, software, and computer specialists.

"For the person in the field GRT's service is a simple to use but powerful reporting tool that assists with gathering time-sensitive information from relief and reconstruction operations around the world," said Michael Gray, chief executive officer of GRT. "The GRT technology is currently being used globally by humanitarian organizations and the Marines in other operations."

"Keeping it simple and easy to use makes this a critical communications tool for emergency responders," noted Ken LeMoult of GRT, who deployed aboard the USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) with elements of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit to assist with training and logistical support. "We are replacing paper forms with customized reporting software that is easy to navigate. Additionally, the GRT VNOC database management service removes the data management burden from relief workers in the field."

"The GRT/Telenor Satellite Services communications package of equipment, specialized software and Inmarsat-based satellite communications is specifically designed to help emergency responders get aid, materials, and services to the field quickly and more efficiently," said Britt Carina Horncastle, president of Telenor Satellite Services, Inc. "We will continue to work with GRT and our network of distribution partners to get satellite communications systems to Government and civilian agencies responsible for the enormous task of rebuilding the Gulf Coast region."

The GRT system was first successfully used in Iraq to support humanitarian operations in 2003. The Marines also have used the system to support relief operations in Haiti and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are currently using the system in Afghanistan and Africa.

GRT and Telenor Satellite Services subsidized the equipment and satellite services provided to the Marines and FEMA.

Global Relief Technologies LLC was founded in March 2003 to provide clients in the humanitarian and reconstruction communities with a secure, integrated solution that ensures more effective response to, and management of, global crisis situations. The company is headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire with its principal Sales and Marketing presence located in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Telenor Satellite Services, Inc. is the Rockville, Maryland-based satellite services subsidiary of Norwegian telecommunications corporation Telenor ASA, listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (TEL) and NASDAQ (TELN).

Telenor Satellite Services is the world's preferred provider of global communications via satellite for customers on land, at sea, and in flight. Telenor's expanded product portfolio offers broadband satellite solutions, on demand services, and an innovative menu of value-added services capable of meeting communications requirements of users around the globe. Telenor also offers The SourceTM, a Web-based account management system available exclusively to Telenor Service Providers. Telenor Satellite Services owns and operates a global network of teleports located at Eik (Norway) and Southbury (Connecticut) and Santa Paula (California) in the United States, and operates VSAT hubs at facilities in Nittedal (Norway) and Prague (Czech Rep). The company uses the satellite systems of Inmarsat, Intelsat, Iridium, New Skies, Satmex, Spacecom, Thuraya and Telenor's own satellites for its services. Telenor Satellite Services Web site is: www.telenor.com/satellite.

For more information or photos contact: For Telenor Satellite Services: Mr. Tom Surface, Manager, Media & Public Relations Phone: (301) 838-7805 E-mail: thomas.surface@telenor-usa.com

For Global Relief Technologies: Ms. Maria Teresa Gago, Director of Humanitarian Programs Phone: (240) 235-5041 E-mail: maria.gago@globalrelieftech.com