Mobile Satellite Ventures Plans Extension of Current Generation Satellite Services Through 2011 on Forthcoming Next-Generation Communications Network
Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) today announced plans to extend its current generation network voice and mobile data services through 2011 on its next generation hybrid satellite-terrestrial communications network slated to be launched in 2010.
In parallel with the deployment of MSV’s next generation network and launch of two of the most powerful commercial satellites to be built to date–MSV1 and MSV-2–the company will facilitate the transition of its current customers to the next-generation services platform. MSV will continue to support current generation communications ground segment (CGS) and mobile data system (MDS) network terminals through the end of 2011.
MSV’s plan to support its CGS and MDS networks through 2011 includes building a specially-designed network interface that will enable existing satellite communications hubs and customer terminals to operate on its next generation satellite network. During the deployment of MSV’s next generation services, customers will not need new hardware additions or upgrades to continue operating MSV’s current CGS and MDS network terminals.
In addition, MSV will work with its network of service providers, distributors and customers to explain transition options to the company’s new services which are based on MSV’s patented ATC (Ancillary Terrestrial Component) technology.
This continuation of MSV’s current service portfolio will operate in parallel with its recently announced Custom Capacity Service(TM) and other emerging hybrid satellite-terrestrial services, planned for 2010 and beyond.
“Responding to the existing and anticipated future needs of our customers, MSV will maintain its current generation services during the roll-out of and transition to the company’s next generation hybrid satellite-terrestrial services,” said John Mattingly, president of Satellite Services for MSV. “Our new satellites and hybrid-satellite terrestrial service will redefine wireless communications as we know it today.”
“While we are very excited about developing a powerful and cost-effective range of new communications offerings on our new satellites, we also want to allow our current core network voice and mobile data customers the opportunity to continue using their existing equipment for an extended period of time, and then seamlessly transition to our new services when they become available,” Mattingly added.
MSV is developing a hybrid satellite-terrestrial communications network, based on MSV’s patented ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) technology. The company expects its next-generation network will provide seamless, transparent and ubiquitous wireless coverage of the United States and Canada accessible on conventional handsets. MSV plans to launch two of the most powerful commercial satellites ever built that will enable this network to support communications in a variety of areas including public safety, homeland security, aviation, transportation and entertainment, by providing an open network platform for interoperable, user-friendly and feature-rich voice and high-speed data services. MSV holds the first FCC license to provide hybrid satellite-terrestrial services.
About Mobile Satellite Ventures and SkyTerra Communications, Inc. Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) is a joint venture between Mobile Satellite Ventures LP (MSVLP) and Mobile Satellite Ventures Canada Inc., and MSVLP is owned and controlled by SkyTerra Communications, Inc. (OTCBB: SKYT).
MSV’s MSAT-2 satellite and MSV Canada’s MSAT-1 satellite deliver mobile wireless voice and data services primarily for public safety, security, fleet management and asset tracking in the U.S. and Canada. MSV and MSV Canada are developing a hybrid satellite-terrestrial communications network, which they expect will provide seamless, transparent and ubiquitous wireless coverage of the United States and Canada to conventional handsets. MSV holds the first FCC license to provide hybrid satellite-terrestrial services. MSV and MSV Canada plan to launch two satellites for coverage of the United States and Canada, which are expected to be among the largest and most powerful commercial satellites ever built. When completed, the network is expected to support communications in a variety of areas including public safety, homeland security, aviation, transportation and entertainment, by providing a platform for interoperable, user-friendly and feature-rich voice and high-speed data services. For more information, please visit: http://www.msvlp.com or http://www.skyterracommunications.com.
Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to plans described in this news release. Such statements generally include words such as could, can, anticipate, believe, expect, seek, pursue, proposed, potential and similar words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties relating to the ability of SkyTerra and MSV to raise additional capital or consummate a strategic transaction or deploy the next generation system, as well as the ability of SkyTerra and MSV to execute their business plan. We assume no obligation to update or supplement such forward-looking statements.
