Jan 06, 2010, post by Satellite News
SkyTerra and TerreStar Networks informed together about an agreement today for the development of innovative mobile network technology that integrates Qualcomm’s EV-DO-based satellite communications technology into an Alcatel-Lucent base station. The satellite-adapted EV-DO base stations — developed by Alcatel-Lucent — will form key components of SkyTerra’s and TerreStar’s integrated satellite-terrestrial networks designed to offer uninterrupted voice and data service coverage throughout North America.
Under the agreement, Alcatel-Lucent will work with SkyTerra and TerreStar to develop satellite base station sub-systems, or S-BSS, based on Qualcomm’s Satellite DO technology, a satellite-adapted implementation of CDMA/EV-DO. These base stations will support seamless connectivity between satellite and terrestrial networks for users of next-generation, satellite-capable devices.
TerreStar and SkyTerra previously informed about an agreement with Qualcomm under which Qualcomm is integrating this satellite and cellular communication technology in select multi-mode mobile chipsets.
The next-generation networks being developed by SkyTerra and TerreStar will enable ubiquitous mobile communications coverage from anywhere in North America using mass-market devices costing about the same as today’s cellular devices.
“The S-BSS being developed by Alcatel-Lucent is a central and critical component of SkyTerra’s next-generation network,” said Brian Deobald, SkyTerra VP of Technology and Product Development. “For the first time, satellite communications will be able to achieve economies of scale traditionally enjoyed in the cellular marketplace. We are pleased to rely on Alcatel-Lucent’s proven expertise in communications technology to enable Qualcomm’s Satellite DO chipset technology in an innovative satellite base station.”
David Marshack, SVP Product & Device Technology at TerreStar Networks, added, “We look forward to the robust product line the Alcatel-Lucent S-BSS together with the Qualcomm chip enables TerreStar to bring to market. This solution helps us achieve our goal of providing a combined satellite terrestrial solution to government, public safety and enterprise users who require anytime anywhere communications in a compact form factor. We believe this combined solution is a game changer for our industry.”
“As the leader in CDMA/EV-DO technology, Alcatel-Lucent is helping pave the way for a new dimension in mobile communications using next-generation satellite networks,” said Robert Vrij, president of Alcatel-Lucent’s Americas business. “Through the integration of 3G technology and satellite networks Alcatel-Lucent is enabling SkyTerra and TerreStar Networks to bring high-quality mobile voice and data coverage to hard-to-reach, underserved areas throughout North America.”
About SkyTerra Communications
SkyTerra Communications (OTCBB: SKYT) delivers mobile wireless voice and data services primarily for public safety, security, fleet management and asset tracking in the U.S. and Canada. The company’s next-generation integrated satellite-terrestrial communications network is expected to provide seamless, transparent and ubiquitous wireless coverage of the United States and Canada to conventional handsets. When completed, the network will support communications in a variety of market segments, including public safety, homeland security, telematics, transportation and entertainment, by providing a platform for interoperable, user-friendly and feature-rich voice and high-speed data services.
About TerreStar Networks Inc.
TerreStar Networks (www.terrestar.com), a majority owned subsidiary of TerreStar Corporation (NASDAQ: TSTR), plans to offer a reliable and secure satellite terrestrial mobile broadband network that will provide voice, data and video services dedicated to helping solve the critical communication and business continuity challenges faced by government, emergency responders, enterprise businesses and rural communities. TerreStar expects to offer next generation mobile communications through a network of partners and service providers to users who need “anywhere” coverage throughout the United States and Canada.
About Alcatel-Lucent
Alcatel-Lucent (Euronext Paris and NYSE: ALU) is the trusted partner of service providers, enterprises and governments worldwide, providing solutions to deliver voice, data and video communication services to end-users. A leader in fixed, mobile and converged broadband networking, IP technologies, applications and services, Alcatel-Lucent leverages the unrivalled technical and scientific expertise of Bell Labs, one of the largest innovation powerhouses in the communications industry. With operations in more than 130 countries and the most experienced global services organization in the industry, Alcatel-Lucent is a local partner with a global reach. Alcatel-Lucent achieved revenues of Euro 16.98 billion in 2008 and is incorporated in France, with executive offices located in Paris. For more information, visit Alcatel-Lucent on the Internet: http://www.alcatel-lucent.com.
Dec 02, 2009, post by Satellite News
Elektrobit Inc. and TerreStar Corporation (TerreStar) have inked a frame supply agreement regarding the delivery of satellite-terrestrial smartphones for TerreStar. According to the agreement EB will be responsible for delivering complete products to TerreStar based on the EB-crafted satellite-terrestrial reference device, which includes manufacturing, forward and reverse logistics, and after market services support.
TerreStar informed that it will launch its commercial service with its satellite-terrestrial smartphones next year, and EB has the readiness to start the product delivery accordingly. Actual delivery volumes for the satellite-terrestrial smartphones will depend upon market demand, and thus reliable delivery forecasts can not be provided at this stage.
About Elektrobit
EB develops advanced technology and transforms it into enriching end user experiences. EB specializes in demanding embedded software and hardware solutions for the automotive industry and wireless technologies. The company’s net sales for the year 2008 totaled EUR 172.3 million. Elektrobit Corporation is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. www.elektrobit.com
About TerreStar
TerreStar Corporation is the controlling shareholder of TerreStar Networks Inc. and TerreStar Global Ltd. For additional information on TerreStar Corporation, please visit the company’s website at www.terrestarcorp.com.
Oct 06, 2009, post by Satellite News
Harris Corporation Antenna Reflector for TerreStar Communications Satellite Successfully Deployed Largest Reflector Ever Launched for Commercial Application Will Bring Satellite Communications Directly to Mobile Users in North America.
An 18-meter antenna reflector built by Harris Corporation (NYSE: HRS) for the geosynchronous TerreStar (Nasdaq: TSTR) global communications satellite was successfully deployed on orbit on July 12, 2009. The large size of the reflector, compared to more traditional 9- or 12-meter designs, will help to ensure broad coverage and 24/7 delivery of mobile voice, data and video services directly to mobile devices and vehicles in the continental U.S. and Canada, as well as Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
Harris, an international communications and information technology company, provided the reflector and the onboard articulating boom to Space Systems/Loral, which is crafted and built the TerreStar-1 satellite for TerreStar Networks Inc. The Harris reflector features a unique design that allows it to be stowed in a smaller space, while still providing increased antenna gain and the improved performance levels required for mobile, interactive media services.
The TerreStar-1 satellite features an innovative, S-band payload that enables delivery of two-way mobile voice, data and video services directly to conventionally sized mobile terminals. The Harris antenna reflector makes it possible for the TerreStar-1 satellite to focus the 2 GHz S-band signals on the United States and Canada in order to provide these Mobile Satellite Services (MSS). The S-band antenna and payload are part of a hybrid infrastructure that combines an all-IP satellite and smartphone technology with terrestrial networks.
The reflector features a gold-plated mesh reflective surface and a unique design that maximizes antenna gain while reducing stowed volume and antenna mass. During the satellite’s launch by Arianespace from French Guiana on July 1, the Harris reflector was stowed onboard much like an umbrella. Once on orbit, Space Systems/Loral controllers executed a series of maneuvers, and sent the commands to deploy the articulating boom and then unfurl the reflector. On orbit tests have confirmed that the reflector is fully deployed in its intended position.
Harris has over 30 years of heritage designing, building and flying deployable mesh reflectors for government and commercial applications. With over 40 reflectors in orbit, Harris is the dominant supplier of large reflector apertures and deployable mesh reflector-feed antenna systems, from L-Band through K-Band, for all orbital regimes. Harris reflector products have the highest surface accuracy and most mass efficient design in the industry, while substantially exceeding the specified mean mission duration of the spacecraft and payload.
“The successful deployment of this large reflector enables TerreStar to provide today’s most advanced communications services over a very large area using a single satellite instead of the constellation of satellites required in the past,” said Dan Pearson, group president, Harris Government Communications Systems. “The antenna is meeting or exceeding all established performance metrics. This successful deployment will usher in a new era of mobile multimedia services and smartphone communications for U.S. and Canadian consumers. We are very pleased to be part of the Loral/TerreStar team in delivering these next-generation satellite services.”
About Harris Corporation Harris is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets worldwide. Headquartered in Melbourne, Florida, the company has approximately $5 billion of annual revenue and more than 15,000 employees — including nearly 7,000 engineers and scientists. Harris is dedicated to developing best-in-class assured communications products, systems, and services.
