An Orbcomm GES facility in South Korea. Photo: Orbcomm

[Via Satellite 07-30-2014] Mahd Telecom, Orbcomm’s, Oman-based national service provider partner, has received regulatory approval to provide Orbcomm services in Oman. Following the authorization, Orbcomm plans to build a Gateway Earth Station (GES) in the country and is able to complete the licensing process for spectrum.

Orbcomm has also purchased the GES facility it was using near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from the local service partner. The buy consolidates all Western Hemisphere GES facilities under the company’s ownership.

The Oman and Brazil GESs bring to 16 the number of sites Orbcomm owns worldwide. The facilities connect to both the original OG1 constellation as well as the new OG2 satellites. Orbcomm has six OG2 satellites in orbit, and is on schedule to be ready for launching the remaining 11 by the end of 2014.