[12-21-07 – Satellite Today] SkyTerra Communications Inc., Inmarsat plc, Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) and Mobile Satellite Ventures (Canada) Inc. have reached a cooperative agreement for L-Band operations in North America, Inmarsat announced Dec. 21.
    The agreement is intended to enable the re-banding and efficient reuse of a substantial segment of North American L-Band radio spectrum for the benefit of the companies and their current and future customers and partners. The agreement includes provisions for the re-banding of the parties’ spectrum over North America to afford contiguous spectrum for operations, coordination parameters for the parties’ next generation satellites covering North America and resolution between the parties of outstanding regulatory issues in the United States and Canada.
    "This agreement introduces a new era of cooperation among L-Band operators and, we believe, will help unlock the growing value of ATC (Ancillary Terrestrial Component) technology on our now enhanced spectrum, enabling customers throughout North America to reap the benefits from greater flexibility and choices in air interface technology, coverage and equipment options,” said Alexander Good, CEO and president of SkyTerra and vice chairman and CEO of Mobile Satellite Ventures LP. "We have worked long and hard with Inmarsat to develop this agreement, which sets operational parameters in the L-band for existing satellite operations and lays the groundwork for future cooperation to address consumers’ demand for next generation technology and services.”