State of the World Forum: Press Release

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Solaria, WorldSpace and State of the World Forum Launch First Humanitarian Effort to Bring Solar-Powered, Digital Radio Technology to Most Remote Corners of the World

October 5, 1999

The Goal of "=access" Alliance is to Establish Information Infrastructure to Serve Hundreds of Millions Without Access to the Information Superhighway

San Francisco, CA – (October 5, 1999) – Three organizations are embarking on a major humanitarian effort to deliver solar-powered, state-of-the-art digital radio technology to the remotest regions of the developing world. The venture, called "=access," brings together Solaria Corp., a solar systems company, WorldSpace Corp., a provider of global digital satellite broadcasting, and the State of the World Forum, a not-for-profit group of humanitarian, business, and educational leaders who are working together to create a sustainable future.

The initiative of =access was jointly announced last evening in a keynote address at the annual meeting of State of the World Forum in San Francisco by Leslie A. Danziger, Chairwoman of Solaria Corp., Noah Samara, Chairman and CEO of WorldSpace Corp., and Jim Garrison, President of the State of the World Forum.

The goal of =access is to bring information affluence to literally billions of "information poor" individuals around the world by using the new technology of digital radio and multimedia, broadcast directly to small, inexpensive receivers via three satellites. =access aims to deploy this technology to build a new global infrastructure as a foundation for providing populations in the developing world with important information, health education, distance learning and other tools for increasing sustainable development. Solaria will use cutting-edge solar photovoltaic technology to power the receivers in even the most remote and under-served locales and villages.

The =access venture will first begin deploying portable digital radios in Africa, with broadcast service provided by WorldSpace’s fully operational AfriStar™ satellite, orbiting 22,300 miles above the continent. Then, in a series of phased roll-outs, =access will begin deploying receivers in Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, as WorldSpace expands its service area over the next year with the launch of two more satellites, AsiaStar™ and AmeriStar™.

Digital radios configured to receive WorldSpace satellite service offer a variety of crystal clear, fade-free audio and web-like multimedia programming from a range of providers. Importantly, =access receivers are equipped with a data port that can be used to downlink webcast Internet-like content for those with access to a computer. No phone line is needed, as the digital radio receiver acts as a one-way modem.

The first generation of digital radio receivers at the heart of the =access venture are being produced by manufacturers familiar to many consumers: Hitachi, JVC, Matsushita (Panasonic) and Sanyo. As of October 1, WorldSpace digital radio receivers became available through retail channels throughout Africa.

Said Jack Tymann, CEO of =access, formerly President of CBS/Westinghouse International: "To ensure that receiver units are made available to those areas and villages that need them most, we are proud to announce a $100 million =access pilot initiative with the State of the World Forum, being planned to fund free distribution of digital radios throughout Africa. This effort will leverage the resources and on-the-ground networks of dozens of aid and development agencies, NGO’s, CBO’s and government ministries, united behind this common goal."

Said Leslie A. Danziger, Solaria Chairwoman: "We will deploy the best available solar technology to provide cutting-edge, rechargeable solar power for the =access digital radios. As we head deeper into the Information Age, it is imperative that we include all indigenous peoples around the globe in the dialogue of globalization so that it can be a creative process, honoring cultural diversity and knowledge. We are truly proud to play such a key role in =access."

Said Ethiopian-born, Noah Samara, WorldSpace Chairman and CEO: "We are very excited about providing the capacity to create universal access and bring information to each human being. By engaging all of the peoples of the world in a dialogue where all voices can be heard and respected, =access will offer critical information, education and support to hundreds of millions of people to address and defeat the crises of AIDS, other diseases, conflict, illiteracy and poverty."

Said Jim Garrison, President of the State of the World Forum: "=access is precisely the kind of venture that illuminates the purpose of the State of the World Forum. As we head into the 21st Century, this initiative will bring quality information to hundreds of millions of people at schools, healthcare clinics and community centers. WorldSpace digital technology enables this to be accomplished at a fraction of the cost of any other distribution means. We are proud to partner with both Solaria and WorldSpace in this very unique public/private venture."

Solaria is a unique solar systems integrator and distributor of solar energy systems for telecommunications and other remote, "off-grid" applications. Solaria is a spinout company, 15% owned by LightPath Technologies Inc., (Nasdaq: LPTHA). Solaria holds an exclusive license from LightPath to use proprietary GRADIUM optics in the field of solar energy.