MSV Selects Nortel For An Industry First Hybrid Satellite-Terrestrial Network Trial

ORLANDO, FL - Mobile Satellite Ventures, L.P. (MSV), one of North America’s leading providers of mobile satellite communications services, will deploy what is believed to be the first integrated 4G and satellite broadband trial powered by Nortel* [NYSE/TSX: NT] mobile WiMAX and IMS technologies.
The hybrid satellite-terrestrial trial was announced at CTIA Wireless 2007, the industry’s premier wireless event.

MSV is designing a next-generation integrated network, incorporating the benefits of both terrestrial and satellite wireless communications systems, for customers across the United States and Canada.

“This trial is a significant step toward next-generation mobility,” said Drew Caplan, MSV chief network officer. “Nortel’s 4G and IMS expertise will help us demonstrate our transparency network architecture to support hybrid satellite-terrestrial communications on the basis of a 4G broadband platform, enabling new dimensions of service for our customers.”

The trial with Nortel, which will be conducted in the Reston, Virginia area, will initially feature high-speed wireless voice, data and Web access, file sharing, and VoIP connectivity using residential gateway devices and PC Cards for users in fixed and portable modes of use. Subsequently, MSV expects to incorporate push-to-talk, video calling, picture-caller ID, and presence capabilities, full MSS/ATC integration, and support for a range of mobile devices. Nortel will integrate its WiMAX and IMS connectivity as well as devices and ASIC technology from Kyocera, WiNetworks, and Runcom Technologies.

“Combining the FCC’s and Industry Canada’s ATC rulings with the broadband capabilities of WiMAX and the service delivery capabilities of IMS could support new telecom models, giving players like MSV the tools to deliver the services that consumers and enterprises want, at a palatable pricepoint,” said Peter Jarich, prinicipal analyst with Current Analysis. “Nortel has been talking about WiMAX services in the 1.5 GHz spectrum for some time. A trial with MSV proves out the opportunity while giving MSV the tools to complement its existing satellite system with a new terrestrial component, expanding wireless services with prospectively new business models and into new areas...potentially even those not covered by traditional carriers.”

“The rapid blurring of boundaries between telecom, broadcast, and broadband is challenging the limits of traditional communications networks and giving bold new players like MSV a chance to get in on the game,” said Peter MacKinnon, general manager, WiMAX, Nortel. “The enablers are technologies like WiMAX and IMS through which broadband, video and voice services can be seamlessly delivered -- from the desktop, to the living room, and out into the community. Now, the sky’s the limit with MSV adding satellite to the mix.”

Nortel equipment used in the trial will include WiMAX base stations and terminals, ancillary cell site gear, an IP core network, signaling equipment, authentication servers, media gateways, optical transport and IMS core elements. In addition, Nortel will provide design, network management and maintenance services from the Nortel Global Services portfolio for the entire trial infrastructure.

MSV plans to build a next-generation integrated network, which incorporates the benefits of both terrestrial, and satellite wireless communications systems. MSV currently offers a range of mobile satellite services (MSS) using two geostationary satellites that support the delivery of two-way radio (PTT), mobile data, voice and fax services to business and government subscribers across the United States and Canada.

Nortel’s 4G WiMAX and IMS innovations improve the subscriber’s communication experience and deliver the one of the highest network performances with one of the most competitive costs per megabit in the industry. Nortel’s WiMAX technology is built on a foundation of OFDM-MIMO, a combination of innovative transmission and antenna technologies that maximizes spectrum to deliver the lightning-fast speeds and high bandwidth essential to high-quality mobile video and TV.