SkyTerra and TerreStar Networks jointly announced an agreement today for
the development of innovative mobile network technology that integrates
Qualcomm’s EV-DO-based satellite communications technology into an
Alcatel-Lucent base station. The satellite-adapted EV-DO base stations
-- developed by Alcatel-Lucent -- will form key components of SkyTerra’s
and TerreStar’s integrated satellite-terrestrial networks designed to
offer uninterrupted voice and data service coverage throughout North
America.
Under the agreement, Alcatel-Lucent will work with SkyTerra and
TerreStar to develop satellite base station sub-systems, or S-BSS, based
on Qualcomm’s Satellite DO technology, a satellite-adapted
implementation of CDMA/EV-DO. These base stations will support seamless
connectivity between satellite and terrestrial networks for users of
next-generation, satellite-capable devices.
TerreStar and SkyTerra previously announced an agreement with Qualcomm
under which Qualcomm is integrating this satellite and cellular
communication technology in select multi-mode mobile chipsets.
The next-generation networks being developed by SkyTerra and TerreStar
will enable ubiquitous mobile communications coverage from anywhere in
North America using mass-market devices costing about the same as
today’s cellular devices.
"The S-BSS being developed by Alcatel-Lucent is a central and critical
component of SkyTerra’s next-generation network,” said Brian Deobald,
SkyTerra VP of Technology and Product Development. "For the first time,
satellite communications will be able to achieve economies of scale
traditionally enjoyed in the cellular marketplace. We are pleased to
rely on Alcatel-Lucent’s proven expertise in communications technology
to enable Qualcomm’s Satellite DO chipset technology in an innovative
satellite base station.”
David Marshack, SVP Product & Device Technology at TerreStar Networks,
added, "We look forward to the robust product line the Alcatel-Lucent
S-BSS together with the Qualcomm chip enables TerreStar to bring to
market. This solution helps us achieve our goal of providing a combined
satellite terrestrial solution to government, public safety and
enterprise users who require anytime anywhere communications in a
compact form factor. We believe this combined solution is a game changer
for our industry.”
"As the leader in CDMA/EV-DO technology, Alcatel-Lucent is helping pave
the way for a new dimension in mobile communications using
next-generation satellite networks,” said Robert Vrij, president of
Alcatel-Lucent’s Americas business. "Through the integration of 3G
technology and satellite networks Alcatel-Lucent is enabling SkyTerra
and TerreStar Networks to bring high-quality mobile voice and data
coverage to hard-to-reach, underserved areas throughout North America.”
About SkyTerra Communications (www.skyterra.com)
SkyTerra Communications (OTCBB: SKYT) delivers mobile wireless voice and
data services primarily for public safety, security, fleet management
and asset tracking in the U.S. and Canada. The company’s next-generation
integrated satellite-terrestrial communications network is expected to
provide seamless, transparent and ubiquitous wireless coverage of the
United States and Canada to conventional handsets. When completed, the
network will support communications in a variety of market segments,
including public safety, homeland security, telematics, transportation
and entertainment, by providing a platform for interoperable,
user-friendly and feature-rich voice and high-speed data services.
About TerreStar Networks Inc.
TerreStar Networks (www.terrestar.com),
a majority owned subsidiary of TerreStar Corporation (NASDAQ: TSTR),
plans to offer a reliable and secure satellite terrestrial mobile
broadband network that will provide voice, data and video services
dedicated to helping solve the critical communication and business
continuity challenges faced by government, emergency responders,
enterprise businesses and rural communities. TerreStar expects to offer
next generation mobile communications through a network of partners and
service providers to users who need "anywhere" coverage throughout the
United States and Canada.
About Alcatel-Lucent
Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) is the trusted partner of
service providers, enterprises and governments worldwide, providing
solutions to deliver voice, data and video communication services to
end-users. A leader in fixed, mobile and converged broadband networking,
IP technologies, applications and services, Alcatel-Lucent leverages the
unrivalled technical and scientific expertise of Bell Labs, one of the
largest innovation powerhouses in the communications industry. With
operations in more than 130 countries and the most experienced global
services organization in the industry, Alcatel-Lucent is a local partner
with a global reach. Alcatel-Lucent achieved revenues of Euro 16.98
billion in 2008 and is incorporated in France, with executive offices
located in Paris. For more information, visit Alcatel-Lucent on the
Internet: http://www.alcatel-lucent.com.
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