[Satellite Today – 4-11-08] The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a report and order expanding Globalstar’s authority to offer Ancillary Terrestrial Component services (ATC) in the United States in conjunction with its mobile satellite services, Globalstar announced April 10.
     In January 2006 the FCC authorized Globalstar to use 11 MHz of its 1.6/2.4 GHz mobile satellite service (MSS) spectrum for ATC. As a result of the FCC’s recent decision, Globalstar is permitted to use 19.275 MHz of its spectrum for ATC.
    “Developing the potential of our satellite spectrum and ATC authority is one of the cornerstones of our business strategy, thus we are extremely pleased with the decision and appreciate the FCC’s diligence in completing this process promptly,” said Jay Monroe, CEO and chairman of Globalstar. “This decision provides potential partners with both the ability and the incentive to proceed with plans to develop and offer innovative and high quality ATC wireless services in conjunction with our satellite services. We can also continue our leadership role by working with Open Range Communications to establish the first rural broadband WiMAX service and by continuing to develop other innovative products and services using seamless satellite and terrestrial networks.”