SkyTerra Communications, Inc, Inmarsat plc, Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) and Mobile Satellite Ventures (Canada) Inc. report that that the companies have reached a comprehensive cooperative agreement for L-Band operations in North America.
The agreement is intended to enable the re-banding and efficient reuse of a substantial segment of North American L-Band radio spectrum for the benefit of the companies and their current and future customers and partners.
The agreement encompasses a wide scope of activities including business, technology, regulatory and spectrum coordination issues.
The agreement includes the following:
+ Provisions for the re-banding of the parties' spectrum over North America to afford contiguous spectrum for operations. This is intended to address growing broadband requirements for enabling future hybrid mobile satellite services (MSS) and ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) services.
+ Coordination parameters for the parties' next generation satellites covering North America, both the new Inmarsat-4s and the new MSV1 and MSV2 satellites, in a manner designed to increase spectrum efficiency and protect both MSS and ATC operations from harmful interference.
+ Resolution between the parties of outstanding regulatory issues in the United States and Canada, concerning each other's operations.
+ Accommodating increased technical flexibility and system enhancements that result in greater ATC usage and operations while protecting MSS.
+ Flexibility to market and operate devices which address growing wireless broadband demands while providing a next-generation satellite capability.
In addition, the agreement also establishes a structure by which Inmarsat will modify its North American operations in a manner that will enable MSV to make more extensive use of L-Band spectrum available for MSS/ATC than is possible today.
"This agreement introduces a new era of cooperation among L-Band operators and, we believe, will help unlock the growing value of ATC technology on our now enhanced spectrum, enabling customers throughout North America to reap the benefits from greater flexibility and choices in air interface technology, coverage and equipment options," said Alexander Good, CEO and President of SkyTerra and Vice Chairman and CEO of Mobile Satellite Ventures LP.
"We have worked long and hard with Inmarsat to develop this agreement, which sets operational parameters in the L-band for existing satellite operations and lays the groundwork for future cooperation to address consumers' demand for next generation technology and services."
"Inmarsat's agreement with MSV, MSV Canada and SkyTerra lays the groundwork for increased operational and technical cooperation while ensuring that Inmarsat can continue to grow and deploy mobile satellite services in North America, including BGAN services and our portfolio of existing and evolved offerings," said Andrew Sukawaty, Chairman and CEO of Inmarsat.
