FCC: MSV does not have to build spare satellite

Mobile Satellite Ventures said the Federal Communications Commission waived a requirement that it build a ground-based spare satellite in the event of satellite failure.
FCC rules require mobile satellite service licensees, like MSV, to build an on-the-ground spare satellite within one year of the company beginning operation of its next-generation ancillary terrestrial component services.
The FCC action is based on MSV’s plans to address in-orbit back-up capacity with the two-satellite system it is scheduled to launch with its joint venture partner, Mobile Satellite Ventures Canada, and contingent on the company filing a report outlining contingency plans for dealing with a satellite failure. MSV said it is on schedule to launch MSV-1 in late 2009, followed by the second Canadian satellite, MSV-2, in 2010.
Federal regulators concluded that “the requested waiver will strike an appropriate balance between ensuring continuity of satellite service to customers and minimizing cost burdens on the satellite operator.”
“MSV has worked diligently to develop a comprehensive contingency plan using two next-generation satellites that will enable rapid restoration and continuation of services without the risk and expense associated with building, storing and launching a spare satellite,” said Alexander Good, vice chairman and CEO of MSV. “We have always believed that in-orbit redundancy and service capacity provides significantly greater benefits to customers and to meet general public emergency and safety needs.”
MSV said it plans to launch two satellites covering the United States and Canada, which are expected to be among the largest and most powerful commercial satellites built to date. When completed, MSV said the network will support communications in a variety of areas including public safety, homeland security, aviation, transportation and entertainment, by providing a platform for interoperable, user-friendly and feature-rich voice and high-speed data services.