[Satellite TODAY 08-04-11] Wholesale 4G-LTE wireless satellite network operator LightSquared has successfully transitioned approximately 50,000 public safety and enterprise customers from its MSAT satellites to LightSquared’s new SkyTerra 1 satellite, the company announced Aug. 3.

   The company called the transition a “major step” toward the launch of its next-generation integrated satellite and broadband network, which aims to provide public safety officials and federal, state and local agencies with access to interoperable communications throughout the United States.

   Enterprise customers from a variety of industries including oil, natural gas, maritime, utilities and telecommunications also were transitioned to the SkyTerra 1 satellite, which was launched in November 2010.

   “These industries and others have thousands of workers in remote areas that depend on satellite communications for their jobs and their safety. Service on the new satellite will emulate existing satellite services, including all features such as push-to-talk, and is 100 percent compatible with current devices,” LightSquared said in a company statement.