ICO Global Communications has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Committee for Telecommunications of the Russian Federation.
The State Committee is the official Russian entity dealing with all telecommunications approvals, including frequency allocation and type approvals for user terminals. The MoU formalises the intent on the part of both ICO and the State Committee to proceed with the implementation of ICO¿s GMPCS concept in Russia.
According to the MoU, the State Committee ¿recognises the importance of the work undertaken by ICO on the project to establish a Global System of Mobile Satellite Communications, and intends to support the most expeditious implementation of satellite communications on the territory of the Russian Federation, in accordance with procedure currently in effect.
Stan Cramton, Head of Representation of ICO-Russia, said: ¿The Memorandum is a significant step for the development of ICO¿s activities in Russia, as it sets out the framework for co-operation between the State Committee and ICO in developing Global Mobile Personal Communications Services (GMPCS). We look forward to the continuation of our joint efforts in achieving a timely ICO Service Launch in Russia and to the continued support of all to achieve this objective.
ICO Global Communications was established in January 1995 as a private company to provide global mobile personal communications services by satellite, including digital voice, data, fax and messaging services. It has raised approximately US$3 billion to date from equity and debt investors. Among its investors are more than 60 strategic partners and investors, comprising telecommunications and technology companies from over 50 markets around the world. In July of 1998, ICO was listed on Nasdaq in New York and became a public company.
ICO expects to begin commercial operations of its mobile satellite services in the third quarter of next year. Its satellite services are expected to be used by international and domestic cellular users who roam outside areas covered by compatible cellular networks from business, industry and government organisations, mining, transportation, aeronautical, maritime, media and other sectors, as well as residents of rural and remote areas lacking adequate local communications.
ICO's services will be based on a new generation of pocket-sized mobile phones that will allow users to make and receive calls at any time, anywhere in the world. The handsets will be dual mode, capable of working on satellite, cellular and PCS networks. ICO will also offer services to the road transport, maritime and aeronautical sectors.
