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Mobile Satellite Ventures Launches Satellite Priority Service for the Department of Homeland Security's National Communications System

Posted on: Tuesday, 20 May 2008, 12:00 CDT

Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) today announced that the Department of Homeland Security's National Communications System (NCS) is partnering with MSV to provide Satellite Priority Service to the NCS priority service customers.

The NCS, part of the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Cyber Security and Communications, coordinates the planning and provisioning of national security and emergency preparedness (NS/EP) communications for Federal, state, and local governments under all emergency circumstances.

Under the provisions of the Satellite Priority Service, MSV now provides satellite push-to-talk and priority satellite telephony communications through its distribution alliance with Sprint's (NYSE:S) Emergency Response Team (ERT). Under this alliance, Sprint ERT will be responsible for nationwide deployment of the Satellite Priority Service for NCS.

MSV services provide NCS member agencies and departments, as well as U.S. State and territorial emergency operations centers, an always-on, readily-available means for interoperable communications during emergencies and daily operations that are immune to terrestrial congestion and infrastructure damage.

One of the unique benefits of MSV service available to the NCS is the capability to utilize satellite mutual aid radio talkgroups (SMART(TM)). The SMART program enables NCS member agencies and departments to participate in nationwide two-way satellite radio talkgroups, improving the ability of departments and agencies to communicate and coordinate quickly and effectively in times of urgent need, regardless of location and infrastructure.

"NCS's priority communications services are used to maintain a state of readiness and to respond to and manage NS/EP events throughout the United States," said Vernon Mosley, NCS Deputy Program Director and Chief Engineer for GETS and WPS. "Satellite communications, such as those provided by MSV, give us reliable, always-available means to communicate and coordinate multiple agency operations in the event of national and local emergencies."

"Sprint ERT is excited to support MSV to deliver critical communications capabilities to the National Communications System," said Darlene Braunschweig, vice president of Converged Network Solutions for Sprint. "The Satellite Priority Service developed by MSV is a great addition to Sprint ERT's Rapid Deployment Solution offering."

"MSV's mobile satellite communications network arms national security leadership as well as Federal, state, and local emergency responders with an effective tool in coordinating multi-agency response to emergencies and crises throughout the nation," said Larry D. Haughey, MSV group vice president for the Government Sector. "Equally important, NCS members will have the capability to form and manage their own satellite radio talkgroups that will further improve the ability of government agencies to communicate and coordinate quickly and effectively in times of urgent need, regardless of location and infrastructure."

MSV is Redefining Wireless Communications(TM) with the development of its hybrid satellite-terrestrial communications network, based on MSV's patented ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) technology. The company expects its next-generation network will provide seamless, transparent and ubiquitous wireless coverage of the United States and Canada to conventional handsets. MSV plans to launch two of the most powerful commercial satellites ever built that will enable this network to support communications in a variety of areas including public safety, homeland security, aviation, transportation and entertainment, by providing a platform for interoperable, user-friendly and feature-rich voice and high-speed data services.

Mobile Satellite Ventures is a joint venture between Mobile Satellite Ventures LP and Mobile Satellite Ventures (Canada) Inc. MSVLP is owned and controlled by SkyTerra Communications, Inc. (OTCBB:SKYT).

About the NCS

The mission of the NCS is to assist the President, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the Office of Management and Budget, in the coordination of the planning for and provisioning of national security and emergency preparedness communications for the Federal Government under all circumstances, including crisis or emergency, attack, recovery and reconstitution. http://www.ncs.gov

About Mobile Satellite Ventures and SkyTerra Communications, Inc.

MSV delivers mobile wireless voice and data services primarily for public safety, security, fleet management and asset tracking in the U.S. and Canada. The company's next-generation hybrid satellite-terrestrial communications network is expected to provide seamless, transparent and ubiquitous wireless coverage of the United States and Canada to conventional handsets. When completed, the network will support communications in a variety of areas including public safety, homeland security, aviation, transportation and entertainment, by providing a platform for interoperable, user-friendly and feature-rich voice and high-speed data services. Mobile Satellite Ventures is a joint venture between Mobile Satellite Ventures LP and Mobile Satellite Ventures (Canada) Inc. MSVLP is owned and controlled by SkyTerra Communications, Inc. (OTCBB:SKYT). For more information go to: http://www.msvlp.com.

Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act

This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to plans described in this news release. Such statements generally include words such as could, can, anticipate, believe, expect, seek, pursue, proposed, potential and similar words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties relating to the ability of SkyTerra and MSV to raise additional capital or consummate a strategic transaction or deploy the next generation system, as well as the ability of SkyTerra and MSV to execute their business plan. We assume no obligation to update or supplement such forward-looking statements.

Source: Business Wire

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