The FCC's order approving the waiver was issued on November 26, 2007 and is based on MSV's plans to address in-orbit back-up capacity with the two-satellite system it is scheduled to launch with its joint venture partner, Mobile Satellite Ventures (Canada) and contingent on the company filing a report outlining contingency plans for dealing with a satellite failure. Currently, MSV is on schedule to launch MSV-1 in late 2009 followed by the second Canadian satellite, MSV-2, in 2010.
In the order the FCC found that "the requested waiver will strike an appropriate balance between ensuring continuity of satellite service to customers and minimizing cost burdens on the satellite operator."
"MSV has worked diligently to develop a comprehensive contingency plan using two next generation satellites that will enable rapid restoration and continuation of services without the risk and expense associated with building, storing and launching a spare satellite," said Alexander Good, vice chairman and CEO of Mobile Satellite Ventures. "We have always believed that in-orbit redundancy and service capacity provides significantly greater benefits to customers and to meet general public emergency and safety needs."
MSV plans to launch two satellites for coverage of the United States and Canada, which are expected to be among the largest and most powerful commercial satellites ever built. When completed, the network is expected to support communications in a variety of areas including public safety, homeland security, aviation, transportation and entertainment, by providing a platform for interoperable, user-friendly and feature-rich voice and high-speed data services.
MSV says it is redefining wireless communications through its development of a hybrid satellite-terrestrial communications network, based on MSV's patented ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) technology. The company expects its next-generation network will provide seamless, transparent and ubiquitous wireless coverage of the United States and Canada to conventional handsets. MSV plans to launch two of the most powerful commercial satellites ever built that will enable this network to support communications in a variety of areas including public safety, homeland security, aviation, transportation and entertainment, by providing a platform for interoperable, user-friendly and feature-rich voice and high-speed data services.
MSV's MSAT-1 and MSAT-2 satellites deliver mobile wireless voice and data services primarily for public safety, security, fleet management and asset tracking in the U.S. and Canada. MSV is developing a hybrid satellite-terrestrial communications network, which it expects will provide seamless, transparent and ubiquitous wireless coverage of the United States and Canada to conventional handsets.
