SkyTerra Intends to File for Broadband Stimulus Funds

SkyTerra filed an application with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for stimulus funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).


SkyTerra's application, which focuses on increasing broadband adoption by the public safety community, seeks $37 million to fund the development and deployment of two dual-mode wireless devices, optimized for public safety use. SkyTerra would provide an additional $9 million, for a total program investment of $46 million. The devices will be capable of communicating with both 700 MHz public safety terrestrial networks and with SkyTerra's satellites. The public safety community would then be able to use just one handset to communicate on the 700 MHz terrestrial network, or access the satellite when the 700 MHz network is not available. SkyTerra's application will include letters showing the need for this technology from cities and public safety agencies in Texas and Florida.
http://www.skyterra.com