Jeff, thanks for the post on ICO. Here's more ICO (vaporspaceware?) PR on India
VSNL Gains Local Regulatory Approval to Operate ICO Ground Station in India
Business Wire - July 19, 1999 17:45
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 19, 1999--ICO Global Communications, the global
mobile communications company, today announced that Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL), has
received formal authorization from the Indian Ministry of Communications for the operation of its ICO
Satellite Access Node (SAN) at Chattarpur, India.
The Ministry's Wireless Planning Committee issued a wireless license for the SAN to operate at
C-band and S-band for relevant telemetry, tracking and control and in-orbit testing operations.
As a result of this authorization, the Chattarpur SAN can now support in-orbit and integration testing
of ICO's satellites, playing a vital role within ICO's system.
The SAN is currently one of six of ICO's total of twelve SANs that have been designed to have
telemetry, tracking and control capabilities. It is the only ICO SAN with in-orbit testing capabilities.
VSNL is one of ICO's largest investors as well as ICO's service partner and SAN operator in India.
Amitabh Kumar, VSNL's Acting Managing Director, said: "We are delighted with this authorization.
VSNL is now ready to support ICO's satellite launch campaign from the Chattarpur site, and we look
forward to working with ICO as it approaches the launch of its satellite services."
Dr. Bishnu Pradhan, ICO's Regional General Manager for the Indian sub-continent, said: "This
decision is a timely and positive initiative, and is indicative of the support and cooperation for ICO
within India. We are delighted by our partnership with VSNL and will continue to cooperate with the
relevant government agencies in order to gain the necessary approvals to offer ICO's mobile satellite
services in India next year."
As ICO's service partner in India, VSNL will distribute ICO's products and services throughout the
country.
Editors' Notes:
ICO Global Communications (Nasdaq: ICOGF) 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 $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 started its initial
commercial operations in the fourth quarter of 1998 with its ICOroam service. This service permits
international travelers to use their home cellular number as they travel in cellular systems incompatible
with their home cellular service. Visit the ICO Website at: www.ico.com, with extensive press office
and photo library.
CONTACT: ICO Global Communications
Joe Tedino, 202/887-8111
Mobile: 202/255-0892
Email: joseph.tedino@ico.com |
