RESTON, Va., Feb. 23, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) announced today that it has been awarded its 4th omnibus ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) patent, covering over 100 claims. The grant of this patent, the second this month, extends MSV's issued patent portfolio to nearly 600 allowed claims. Patent No. 6,859,652 -- Integrated or Autonomous System and Method of Satellite-Terrestrial Frequency Reuse Using Signal Attenuation and/or Blockage, Dynamic Assignment of Frequencies and/or Hysteresis -- extends to multiple band sharing and band segmentation techniques between space segment (satellite) and ground segment (ATC).
"After years of invention and investment, MSV's comprehensive patent portfolio is emerging from the pipeline," said Alexander H. Good, vice chairman and chief executive officer of MSV. "This is now the 4th omnibus patent grant paving the way for a very efficient rollout of hybrid networks. MSV's technology team is continuing to work overtime to create the most efficient, effective and flexible ATC system for imminent roll-out and development."
"This patent provides very broad protection for MSV's ATC technology," said Dr. Peter D. Karabinis, vice president and chief technical officer of MSV. "The patent protects hybrid satellite/ATC system architectures whether or not frequencies are shared between the satellite and ATC while providing communications to single-mode and dual-mode user equipment through substantially autonomous operation of the space and ground segments. Very broad air interface flexibility is provided by the patent wherein dual-mode equipment can use the same or different protocols in communicating with the space and ground segments, while sharing frequencies available to the system."
About Mobile Satellite Ventures
Mobile Satellite Ventures is developing the next generation hybrid wireless network that will use a powerful satellite constellation working in unison with MSV's patented ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) technology to deliver seamless wireless services to end-users over standard wireless devices.
MSV is North America's premier provider of mobile satellite communications. Delivering service since 1996, MSV offers customers a wide choice of wireless data, voice, fax and dispatch radio services via its two MSAT satellites. MSV provides superior capacity and reliability for customers across North America, northern South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Hawaii and in coastal waters.
The MSV investor group includes Motient Corporation (Pink Sheets: MNCP), SkyTerra Communications (OTC: SKYT), TMI Communications, Columbia Capital, and Spectrum Equity Investors.
MSV has offices in Reston, Va., and Ottawa, On. For more information, visit MSV online at www.msvlp.com
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