TerreStar launches commercial communications satellite

To deliver a satellite-terrestrial mobile communications network

TerreStar Networks has announced the launch of commercial communications satellite TerreStar-1. The company said that this launch meets its objective of delivering voice, data and video services on an IP mobile broadband network that combines TerreStar-1 and an all-IP core network.

Launched by Arianespace from Kourou, French Guiana, TerreStar-1 reportedly ensures network resiliency and availability during times of critical communications need.

Dennis Matheson, CTO of TerreStar, said: With the successful launch of TerreStar-1, we are redefining the mobile communications landscape. We are creating a new paradigm in mobile broadband network services and devices that will leverage our integrated satellite and terrestrial communications components to enable true ubiquity and reliability-anywhere in the United States and Canada.

Prior to the launch of the new satellite, the company, with its partner Elektrobit, introduced quad-band GSM and tri-band WCDMA/HSPA smartphone with integrated all-IP satellite-terrestrial voice and data capabilities. Similar in size to today's mainstream mobile devices, TerreStar's dual-mode smartphone is expected to allow users to stay connected to its satellite and terrestrial network.

TerreStar's network will operate in two 10-Mhz blocks of contiguous MSS spectrum in the 2GHz band throughout the US and Canada, with a spectrum footprint that covers a population of nearly 330m.

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