TerreStar, a US company, is building the world’s first all IP enabled next generation mobile communications network over an integrated satellite/terrestrial network.

TerreStar’s system will occupy two 10MHz segments of spectrum in the 2GHz range throughout North America and Canada.

Space Systems Loral has built the TerreStar-1, the world’s largest commercial satellite, based on their SSL1300 platform, which has been delivered to French Guiana, where it will be launched on June 24 aboard a dedicated Ariane 5 launcher. The satellite will utilize its 18 metre antenna to generate over 500 spot beams covering Continental USA, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

According to the company, the satellite will deliver services over a wide range of commercially available devices such as PDAs, mobile phones, laptops and two way radios, eliminating the need for bulky satellite phones.

The handset shown on the company’s website looks no larger than a Blackberry, or similarly sized PDA, and will operate under Windows Mobile 6 Professional which includes Internet Explorer, Outlook, Office, Media Player (H264 playback). The handset is capable of delivering up to 5 hours talk-time and 240 hours standby time.

For more info, visit: www.terrestar.com