Satellite phone operators Mobile Satellite Ventures and ICO jointly announced today an agreement with Qualcomm to enable mobile devices to roam from traditional cellular service to satellite connections.
Under the agreement, Qualcomm will integrate satellite and cellular communication technology in select multi-mode mobile baseband chips. As a result, for the first time ever, satellite connectivity will be enabled in mass-market wireless handsets and devices, say the companies.
“This agreement marks a truly historic milestone in the evolution of the wireless industry,” remarked Alex Good, chairman, CEO and president of SkyTerra. “For the first time, satellite communications can achieve economies of scale traditionally enjoyed in the cellular marketplace today.”
“One of the cornerstone features of ICO mim (mobile interactive media), and of all future ICO MSS ATC products, is satellite interactivity, and this agreement enables two-way satellite services for a wide variety of mainstream wireless devices,” noted Tim Bryan, ICO’s chief executive officer.
“Qualcomm’s satellite technology extends 3G to yet another dimension of wireless communications,” said Peggy Johnson, executive vice president of Qualcomm America’s and India. “Our work with MSV, ICO and other market innovators will enable innovative hybrid services and help pave the way for new uses of the mobile satellite bands.”
Under the agreement, Qualcomm will develop a satellite protocol and include it in the firmware of select upcoming Qualcomm multi-mode baseband chips. Qualcomm will also support the L- and S-Band frequencies, in which MSV and ICO operate, in select RF processors.
The new chips are expected to be available beginning in 2010. Qualcomm will sell and support its hybrid mobile satellite services (MSS)/terrestrial chipsets to mobile device vendors in the same manner it does today.
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