Satellite : Companies Unveil Satellite/Cellular Hook-Up

[evd]

News about a partnership among satellite and cell phone technology companies created waves for both communications businesses Monday.

Mobile Satellite Ventures, a subsidiary of SkyTerra Communications, announced along with ICO Global and Qualcomm a relationship that aims to give mobile devices ubiquitous mobile communications coverage. The partnership is aimed at North America, including areas where traditional cellular service is currently unavailable or unreliable.

Under the agreement, Qualcomm will integrate satellite and cellular communication technology in select multi-mode mobile chips. As a result, satellite connectivity will be enabled in mass-market wireless handsets and devices, the companies said.

Those mobile chipsets forming the heart of handsets and other devices will enable handset vendors to produce satellite-capable devices at comparable scale and cost.

Alex Good, chairman, CEO and president of SkyTerra, said that through the deal satellite communications could achieve economies of scale traditionally enjoyed in the cellular marketplace. "Combined with our powerful next-generation satellites, Qualcomm's technology will enable mobile communications between terrestrial and satellite network layers using ordinary mobile devices," Good said.