TerreStar Networks has been granted authority to integrate terrestrial use of its 20 MHz S Band spectrum into its next generation mobile wireless network.
In granting the ATC license, the FCC reaffirmed the value that integrated MSS/ATC networks bring by “facilitating increased network capacity, more efficient use of spectrum, extension of coverage for handset operation” as well as “improved emergency communications.” The FCC also granted a number of technical waivers requested by TerreStar that will permit TerreStar to integrate ATC capability more efficiently.
- In September 2009, AT&T agreed to market TerreStar’s satellite cellular smartphone. The TerreStar GENUS Smartphone combines AT&T’s 3G terrestrial wireless service with TerreStar’s all-IP satellite voice and data as a back-up throughout the United States. The TerreStar satellite footprint also covers Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and offshore coastal waters. The satellite-terrestrial smartphone reference design represents the world’s first quad-band GSM and tri-band WCDMA/HSPA device running the Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system, and offering integrated satellite-terrestrial voice and data capabilities.
- In July 2009, TerreStar Networks successfully completed the first end-to-end VoIP phone call over its newly launched TerreStar-1, the world’s largest, most advanced commercial communications satellite. The call used two handsets developed by EB (Elektrobit).