TerreStar Granted Spectrum for Hybrid Satellite-Terrestrial Network
WASHINGTION DC, May 21, 2007 - Satnews Daily - The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has reserved a large frequency segment for TerreStar Networks, Inc., a firm that plans to provide wireless service throughout North America using a hybrid satellite-terrestrial cellular network.
The FCC's order authorizes TerreStar, a subsidiary of Motient Corporation, to provide service in both the United States and Canada. The spectrum allocation of 20 megahertz in the 2 GHz band gives TerreStar direct ownership of spectrum covering all of North America. FCC said TerreStar has made significant progress in satellite construction.
TerreStar president and CEO Robert Brumley noted that FCC spectrum approval is a key milestone for TerreStar as it moves forward with its build, own and operate strategy for creating North America's first 4G integrated mobile satellite and terrestrial communications network and validates its progress to date. "We are grateful to the FCC for the committed effort in reviewing and approving this revision, and for its recognition of the progress TerreStar has made in the development of our network and the benefit to public interest our communications network will provide."
The 20 megahertz in the 2 GHz band was originally licensed in the name of TMI Communications, Ltd., a partner of TerreStar in 2001. TMI, a Canadian firm, is a wholly owned subsidiary of BCE, Inc., a publicly traded Canadian corporation. Industry Canada, the Canadian equivalent of the FCC, issued TMI an approval-in-principle for a 2 GHz MSS system in May 2002. This April, Industry Canada approved the assignment to TerreStar Canada, providing TerreStar Canada access to 20 megahertz in Canada. TerreStar is a shareholder of SkyTerra Communications and Mobile Satellite Ventures LP.
