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Mobile Satellite Ventures Expands Public Safety Communications Networks Throughout 14 Midwest States

Posted on: Wednesday, 30 July 2008, 09:01 CDT

Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) today announced that it has partnered with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Response and Operations Division (IDHS) to manage and monitor the Mid-West Satellite Mutual Aid Radio Talkgroup (MWSMART) operating on the MSV satellite communications network.

MWSMART is the fourth, multi-state, regional talkgroup provided gratis by MSV to facilitate rapid, reliable and interoperable communications over satellite for public safety operations and emergency responders. Working with state and local public safety agencies, MSV has already helped establish SMART talkgroups serving 26 states located throughout the Gulf Coast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions.

In coordination with MSV, the IDHS will manage, provide 24x7 monitoring, and approve participation in MWSMART by federal, state, tribal, and local public safety agencies - and appropriate private sector users with a public safety mission - located in Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

This new mid-west regional talkgroup enables critical and interoperable communications at all levels of public safety agencies and facilities in this 14-state region. For those agencies already using MSV's technology, these talkgroups represent a major step forward in public safety interoperability, particularly when terrestrial networks are damaged or congested.

"The Indiana Department of Homeland Security and MSV are working together to enhance public safety communications throughout the Midwestern United States," said Jim Corry, vice president of Government Solutions for MSV. "MWSMART serves as an additional communications tool developed to improve interoperability during emergencies as well as for day-to-day operations."

MWSMART joins a rapidly growing family of nationwide and regionally-focused talkgroups, provided by MSV but managed and controlled by the organizing federal, tribal, state or local agency. These include nationwide public safety and national security/emergency preparedness talkgroups managed by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security's National Communications System (NCS).

All public safety organizations in the Midwest region with active accounts on the MSV network are eligible and encouraged to join MWSMART at no charge by way of application to the IDHS. A copy of the Standard Operating Procedures and application are available from: MWSMART@dhs.IN.gov or by calling (317) 232-3849.

MSV is Redefining Wireless Communications(TM) through its development of a 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 market segments 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 Mobile Satellite Ventures (www.msvlp.com)

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 market segments 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).

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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