ICO Satellite Limited, a European subsidiary of ICO Global Communications Limited (ICO), has filed an application with the European Commission (EC) in response to the Commission’s call for applications for pan-European systems providing mobile satellite services. 

 

ICO Global Communications is a satellite communications company developing an advanced next-generation hybrid media system, combining both satellite and terrestrial communications capabilities.

 

ICO’s satellites are capable of supporting wireless voice, data, and/or Internet services on mobile and portable devices. In North America, ICO is deploying a mobile interactive media service known as ICO mim.

 

ICO mim will combine ICO’s unique interactive satellite capability with nationwide coverage to deliver a new level of navigation, enhanced roadside assistance and the ultimate mobile video experience, including 10-15 live channels of premium television content. ICO is based in Reston, Virginia.

 

In September, SkyTerra's Mobile Satellite Ventures (News - Alert), ICO Global Communications, and Qualcomm signed a groundbreaking technology agreement enabling first-ever integration of satellite communications into mass market cellular handsets and devices.

 

This agreement enables devices to have ubiquitous mobile communications coverage from anywhere in North America, including areas where traditional cellular service is currently unavailable or unreliable. 

 

Under the agreement, Qualcomm (News - Alert) will integrate satellite and cellular communication technology in select multi-mode mobile baseband chips. The same mobile chipsets forming the heart of handsets and other devices will enable handset vendors to produce satellite-capable devices at comparable scale and cost.

 

Qualcomm will also develop a satellite protocol and include it in the firmware of select upcoming Qualcomm multi-mode baseband chips. In addition, Qualcomm will support the L- and S-Band frequencies, in which MSV and ICO operate, in select RF processors.

The new chips are expected to be available beginning in 2010. Qualcomm will sell and support its hybrid mobile satellite services (MSS)/terrestrial chipsets to mobile device vendors in the same manner it does today. 

 

This will enable terminal OEMs to provide a full range of handhelds and mobile computing devices capable of terrestrial connectivity with 3GPP and 3GPP2 technologies across the L- and S-Bands, as well as a wide range of existing mobile terrestrial bands.