Satellite Technology Feature Article
July 06, 2009
TerreStar Networks Launches Communications Satellites
By Anil Sharma, TMCnet Contributor
Mobile communications provider TerreStar Networks Inc., a majority-owned subsidiary of TerreStar Corporation, has successful launched TerreStar (News - Alert)-1, one of the world's largest, most advanced commercial communications satellites.
The launch is considered a major achievement in TerreStar's strategic vision of delivering voice, data and video services on an all IP next-generation mobile broadband network that combines the power of TerreStar-1, an all-IP core network, and the latest in smartphone technology.
TerreStar Networks (News - Alert) officials said the launch by Arianespace from Kourou, French Guiana, TerreStar-1 is the foundation for the company’s satellite communications network; ensuring network resiliency and availability during times of critical communications need.
"With the successful launch of TerreStar-1, we are redefining the mobile communications landscape," said Dennis Matheson, chief technology officer of TerreStar, in a statement.
Matheson said that the company is creating a new paradigm in mobile broadband network services and devices that will leverage the integrated satellite and terrestrial communications components to enable true ubiquity and reliability anywhere in the United States and Canada.
"Today's launch is just the beginning of the TerreStar story," said Jeff Epstein, president, TerreStar, in a statement.
Epstein said that he believes that there are tremendous opportunities ahead -- in both the commercial and government sectors -- and the company remains focused on the promise to help solve the critical communications and business continuity challenges faced by government, emergency responders, enterprises and rural communities.
The company officials claimed that prior to the launch of TerreStar-1, the company, with its partner Elektrobit (News - Alert), introduced the world's first 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 will allow users to seamlessly and securely stay connected to TerreStar's satellite and terrestrial network.
Anil Sharma is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Anil’s articles, please visit his columnist page.
Edited by Amy Tierney
