[SatNews] Solaris Mobile LLC.,a wholly-owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corp., has announced plans to move forward with the Hughes Network Systems, LLC (Hughes) designed and developed satellite-based platform using the ETSI GMR-1 3G air interface standard to enable wireless mobile devices to communicate over the satellite portion of Solaris Mobile’s network.

The GMR-1 3G industry-proven technology will enable a new generation of mobile satellite services that can operate over Solaris Mobile’s space segment, supporting advanced and all-IP services providing 3G/4G compatible user services, including multimedia and voice.   

Steven Schaver, president of Solaris Mobile said, “We are pleased to utilize Hughes for the design and deployment of the satellite ground system based on the advanced capabilities of the GMR-1 3G standard. Selection of the ETSI Standard open air interface, GMR-1 3G, which is operational in about a half-million mobile satellite handhelds, allows Solaris Mobile to work with a variety of terminal manufacturers to expand its family of products and services. This is an important step in further advancing Solaris Mobile’s plan to deliver the European Union’s first next-generation, all IP-enabled mobile communications network with an integrated mobile satellite and terrestrial system.”

The Solaris Mobile infosite may be reached at http://www.solarismobile.com/

Hughes Network Systems information may be obtained by accessing http://www.hughes.com/