Vermont Lt. Governor Brian Dubie was on hand in Kourou, French Guiana, yesterday where Terrestar Networks launched the world s largest commercial satellite from Arianespace s Guiana Space Center at midday. A pilot project to test the revolutionary, 4G technology on board the $300 million communications satellite has been planned since 2007 to take place in Vermont s Northeast Kingdom.
To view the launch of TerreStar-1,click here for LAUNCH. Or see longer news video below.
Dubie said in a written statement: As chair of the Governor s Homeland Security Advisory Council, I know how important wireless mobile communications capability is especially in times of disaster, when land-based networks might experience widespread failure. TerreStar s 4G technology is absolutely dazzling. But we are in the business of helping people, and what s important is that this technology will help us keep Vermonters safe and serve them in times of need.
Mobile wireless communications have been particularly difficult for law enforcement and emergency responders in rural Vermont communities with rough terrain, low population density and the international border with Canada and Quebec, just to the north.
Vermont s Chief Information Officer, Thomas Murray, said, We hope the TerreStar service can be a contributor to achieving the e-State vision by the end of 2010 as outlined by Governor Jim Douglas, in which Vermont will have universal access to broadband Internet and cellular phone service.
TerreStar President Jeffrey Epstein said, This is a moment our team and our partners have worked toward for a long time, and I am pleased to have the support of the state of Vermont. We also appreciate the support we have received from the Aerospace States Association (ASA) over the years, and Vermont Lt. Governor Brian Dubie s leadership as ASA Chair. We look forward to continuing the TerreStar-Vermont alliance.
TerreStar-1 entered geosynchronous earth orbit, 22,000 miles above the earth s surface, only 26 minutes after launch. It will provide coverage to the Continental United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Hawaii and Alaska through integrated satellite/ground-based service, via 500 spot beams. The combination of ground and satellite resources will result seamless, ubiquitous coverage throughout the coverage area. Specially-equipped handsets look and perform like conventional smartphones. The company will supply handsets for the Vermont pilot project.
Source: LT Gov Dubie's office.