Three Vehicles Will Bring SatComm To South America

Boeing announced Wednesday it has received a major commercial contract for three satellites, along with associated ground support systems, in partnership with Mobile Satellite Ventures. Financial details of the deal weren't disclosed; however, this is the largest commercial satellite order booked by Boeing since 1997.

The three Boeing-built satellites will be part of the world's first commercial mobile satellite service, offering voice and data coverage throughout North and South America. The network, based on MSV's patented Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) technology, combines the best of satellite and cellular technology, according to MSV.

"Boeing's 40-year heritage in the satellite industry and vast experience in the mobile satellite arena will prove invaluable in the construction of our next generation satellites," said Alexander Good, vice chairman and CEO of MSV.

In addition to building the satellites, Boeing will also develop ground-based systems to provide technological advances that will allow MSV optimal deployment of its ATC technology and spectrum utilization.

"In addition to providing mobile service to users in the most remote regions, the technology deployed by MSV will keep lines of communication open for first responders in times of natural disasters," said Howard Chambers, vice president of Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems.

Under the plan, the MSV-1 and MSV-2 satellites will cover Canada; the United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico; the Virgin Islands; Mexico and the Caribbean Basin. The third satellite, MSV-SA, will bring advanced communications services into South America.

The satellites are scheduled to launch in 2009 and 2010, according to representatives with Boeing and MSV.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.mslvp.com