[Satellite Today – 4-15-08] ICO Global Communications (Holdings) Ltd. has launched its ICO G1 satellite, ICO announced April 14.
    The satellite was launched at 4:12 p.m. EST, and was successfully placed into its initial geosynchronous transfer orbit at 4:56 p.m. The initial telemetry and command contact with the spacecraft was established through the Perth, Australia ground station. The final position of the spacecraft will be at 92.85 degrees west longitude and will provide service to the entire United States, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands.   
    ICO will be conducting alpha trials for its fully interactive mobile video, navigation and emergency assistance service to be known as ICO mim (mobile interactive media) later this year.
    "With our launch of ICO G1, ICO is now poised to deliver a new generation of mobile services for consumers," said Tim Bryan, CEO of ICO in a statement. "We look forward to meeting our 12th and final FCC milestone by May 15, when we anticipate certifying that ICO G1 is operational. Later this summer we will commence market trials in Las Vegas, Nevada and the Raleigh Durham area of North Carolina for our mobile interactive media service, ICO mim, which we expect to launch commercially later in 2009."