Hughes to Build 3 More ICO Satellites and Modify 11 Others
Source: Compound Semiconductor staff
Hughes Space and Communications Company (HSC), the world s leading satellite manufacturer, and New ICO, formerly ICO Global Communications, have announced that Hughes will build at least three more satellites for New ICO.
In addition, HSC will modify 11 other spacecraft currently in production for the revamped New ICO system. The spacecraft modifications will assist in the enhancement of the New ICO constellation to provide high-quality voice and packet-data services. New ICO expects to begin service in 2003, and will also offer the satellite equivalent of third-generation (3G) wireless services, including wireless Internet.
New ICO, a private company based in London, acquired the assets of ICO Global Communications (Holdings) Limited, which was established in January 1995 to provide global mobile personal communications services by satellite. The business was renamed New ICO following the successful $1.2 billion acquisition led by Craig McCaw earlier this year. McCaw is also one of the leading backers of the Teledesic satellite venture.
HSC s original contract to manufacture 12 ICO satellites was awarded in July 1995. The ICO satellite design is one of the most complex ever undertaken by HSC and incorporates a number of unique design features. The satellites carry more computing power than 600 Pentium III-based computers; feature innovative transmit and receive antennas allowing direct air link to users; and use a so-called "smart processor" that is capable of adapting beam configuration to match usage and make the most efficient use of the bandwidth available.
Visit the ICO website at www.ico.com
CONTACT: HUGHES SPACE AND COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY George Torres, 310/364-5777, george.torres@hsc.com NEW ICO Michael Johnson, +44.20.8600.1255, michael.johnson@ico.com
© 2000 Franklin Publishing. All rights reserved.
HUGHES SPACE AND COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY
George Torres, 310/364-5777, george.torres@hsc.com
NEW ICO
Michael Johnson, +44.20.8600.1255, michael.johnson@ico.com
© 2000 Franklin Publishing. All rights reserved.
E-mail: michael.johnson@ico.com
Web site: http://www.ico.com
