NetSat28 Company LLC, based in Annapolis, Md., has announced that it has selected Space Systems/Loral (SS/L), a division of Loral Space & Communications in Palo Alto, Calif., as the prime contractor to design and build a Ka-band communications satellite for the NetSat28 system.
The satellite, scheduled to be fully operational by October 2002, will provide high-capacity broadband-on-demand data services to small businesses and residential users in the United States.
Founded in 1996, NetSat28 received its FCC license in May 1997 to construct, launch and operate a Ka-band commercial geostationary satellite, with coverage over the continental United States. EMS Technologies, Inc. is acquiring a majority equity stake in NetSat28, pending FCC approval.
Once implemented, the NetSat28 system will provide Internet access up to 20 times faster than a T-1 line, or approximately 30 Mbps, for incoming data, and up to 2 Mbps for outgoing data, for a fraction of the cost of existing satellite systems.
The NetSat28 system will enable new Internet-based applications in e-commerce, info/entertainment and data multi-casting. It combines NetSat28’s satellite spot-beam technology with EMS’ bandwidth-on-demand, hub-and-modem technology. The NetSat28 service will target small businesses, as well as home office and high-end residential users. The service will use EMS’ satellite terminal technology, which is based on an open protocol.
“Space Systems/Loral had the right mix of product strengths and technical expertise in the Ka-band arena to meet our requirements,” said Thomas W. Glynn, president – NetSat28. “With this announcement, we are one step closer to making our Ka-band service a reality.”
As part of the satellite construction, EMS Technologies’ Space & Technology group in Montreal, Canada, will support SS/L in delivery of the satellite payload system.
About NetSat28
NetSat28 Company LLC, with headquarters in Annapolis, Md., is an entrepreneurial communications technology company licensed to offer Ka-band service in the form of high-speed, low-cost Internet connectivity to small businesses, home offices and high-end residential users in the United States. Founded in 1996 by Thomas W. Glynn, the venture received its FCC license in May 1997 to construct, launch and operate a Ka-band commercial geostationary satellite, with coverage over the continental United States. EMS Technologies, Inc., based in Atlanta, is acquiring a majority equity stake in NetSat28, subject to FCC approval.
About EMS Technologies
EMS Technologies is a leading provider of wireless and satellite communications solutions, with a growing emphasis on broadband applications. EMS focuses its unique range of technologies on the needs of broadband and mobile-information users. The company is headquartered in Atlanta, employs 1,600 people worldwide and has major manufacturing facilities in Atlanta, Ottawa and Montreal.
