TIA Member Spotlight:
TIA welcomes one of its newest members, TerreStar!
 TerreStar is an emerging mobile network operator that plans to build, own and operate North America's first 4G all IP-enabled mobile communications network with an integrated mobile satellite and terrestrial system designed to revolutionize the way North America stays connected.
TerreStar plans to provide ubiquitous North American service, launching in 4th quarter 2008, with coverage in the continental United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii and Alaska. By providing users with mobile broadband access and gap-filling services, the TerreStar footprint and service offerings can help solve the critical communication and business continuity challenges faced by our enterprise businesses, rural communities, and the nation’s homeland defense and public safety agencies.
 Robert Brumley has served as president and CEO of TerreStar since August 2005 and brings extensive telecommunications, security and transactional experience, both domestic and international, to TerreStar.
He previously served as president and CEO of Pegasus Global, an international firm he co-founded specializing in telecommunications, technology, infrastructure development and aerospace/defense. He has held senior executive positions with global communications firms such as Deutsche Telekom and Bell Atlantic International, where he was responsible for Bell Atlantic's international telecommunications transactions worldwide, including its participation in Constellation Communications, Inc., a low earth orbit satellite venture.
Mr. Brumley served as a presidential appointee in the Reagan Administration as General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Commerce, where he was chief legal officer of the department and senior policy advisor to the Secretary. He also served on senior-level working groups of the National Security, Domestic and Economic Policy Councils and chaired the Reagan Administration policy group that privatized commercial space transportation, removing from NASA the burden of launching commercial satellite payloads on the Space Shuttle [STS].
Mr. Brumley is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserves.
He spoke with TIA Network staff to tell us more about TerreStar.
 Please give us an overview of TerreStar’s networks and services.
TerreStar’s service will enable users to be reliably and securely connected to the network through a virtual handshake between the satellite and a next-generation cellular network. Integrating these technologies results in an unparalleled network-based solution that customers can rely on to stay connected every day, everywhere. In high-density urban areas, TerreStar will leverage industry-leading land-based technology to construct a series of ground-based cellular towers (Ancillary Terrestrial Component or ATC facilities).
The company’s innovative network management techniques based on adaptations of existing cellular/PCS system technologies will enable mobile devices to transition seamlessly (bi-directionally) between terrestrial and satellite modes.
The company’s first satellite, TerreStar-I, currently under construction by Space Systems/Loral, will be the world’s largest and most powerful commercial satellite ever deployed. With an antenna almost 60 feet across and up to 500 dynamically-configurable spot beams TerreStar-I will surpass current satellites in terms of signal sensitivity and the number of spot beams it can generate.
The satellite’s powerful antenna and TerreStar’s open and accessible network design will enable TerreStar to deliver services over a broad range of consumer-style wireless devices utilizing existing commercial chip-set technology. Devices will include cell phones, PDAs, laptops and embedded modules, effectively outdating oversized satellite phones and expensive service. Ubiquitous coverage, as well as an all-IP network, will enable next generation telematics services.
TerreStar plans to be the first to offer the power and flexibility of an IP-enabled network in a mobile environment. Broadband speeds paired with next generation services provide users the flexibility and accessibility of desktop applications, such as real-time mass distribution of data and video, and access to the Internet and secure IP-based networks, all in a mobile environment through everyday devices. Customers will have control to securely add, tailor and manage applications and users in real-time. The application-rich environment of an IP-enabled network allows customers to affordably and efficiently customize applications to solve their unique security challenges.
Features and benefits of TerreStar’s innovative mobile communications network include:
- Customizable suite of IP-enabled enterprise applications
- Open, accessible architecture leveraging existing chip-set technology
- Redundant and on-demand service during peak-usage and crises
- Prioritized, authenticated and secure access for emergency officials and other first responders
- Low-cost and efficient network and device integration
- Small lightweight handsets and data cards
- Real-time dashboard application management
- Ultra-wide band urban capability
- Fully interoperable
- Continuity of government operations
- Service provider applications (OSS/BSS)
Tell our readers about your recently signed agreement with Bechtel, under which Bechtel will work with TerreStar on site acquisition and construction of TerreStar’s terrestrial network. What does this mean in the scope of your entire next-generation communications network ecosystem?
TerreStar’s recently-announced agreement with Bechtel represents one of the final pieces in our ecosystem of strategic partnerships with industry-leading companies that will enable TerreStar to provide, on a wholesale basis, an end-to-end voice and data communications platform addressing government, enterprise and consumer mobile communications users needs.
Along with Bechtel and others, TerreStar is working with Accenture, Cisco, ElektroBit, Hughes Network Systems, Nokia and Space Systems Loral as part of a cohesive team to help deploy this dynamic next-generation network, which is being designed to support legacy and emerging technologies.
This strong team will help TerreStar execute on our build, own and operate strategy and deliver North America’s first 4G-integrated satellite and terrestrial next generation network.
Now that TerreStar’s strategic partnership ecosystem is in place, what are your next steps as you continue toward your 2008 launch?
Fourth-generation networks are changing the way consumers customize their communications networks, and TerreStar is built on this model. Now that TerreStar’s strategic partnership ecosystem is in place, TerreStar is focusing on the applications that will operate in our IP-enabled network. Customers will have the control to securely add, tailor and manage applications and users in real-time. The application-rich environment of an IP-enabled network allows customers to affordably and efficiently customize applications to solve their unique security challenges.
Please tell us the value you gain from your TIA membership.
As a new member of TIA – and an emerging provider − it is helpful to have access to up-to-date industry information and communications technology, market analysis and trends. We also value the opportunity to network with our customers and potential customers at events such as NXTcomm 2008.
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