[Satellite Today – 5-12-08] – ICO Global Communications (Holdings) Ltd. has filed its final milestone certification with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) confirming that its satellite system is operational, ICO announced May 12.
    ICO has successfully completed two-way voice and data sessions using the ICO G1 satellite, ICO’s North Las Vegas gateway, and mobile terminals.
    "Our goal at ICO has been to unlock the value we know we have, including our spectrum value," Tim Bryan, ICO CEO said in a statement. "With today’s certification we mark three key accomplishments. First, ICO has met its twelfth and final FCC milestone in our MSS licensing proceeding, thereby perfecting its nationwide [mobile satellite system] (MSS) license. Second, ICO G1 has performed flawlessly to date, giving ICO the most powerful MSS satellite over North America. Third, ICO has selected its frequency assignments so that our ICO mim alpha trial and subsequent operations can commence later in 2008 and into 2009. With our satellite launched and operational and our MSS spectrum secured, we are looking forward to deploying these assets to deliver compelling and differentiated services for American consumers."