TerreStar Networks Inc. has selected Alcatel-Lucent to supply a next generation solution for a significant test as TerreStar prepares to build an integrated mobile satellite and land-based communications network in North America, believed to be the first of its kind using the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) to deliver universal access and personalized services over standard wireless devices, such as mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs).

For the lab trial, Alcatel-Lucent will provide an IMS service delivery architecture that can enable TerreStar’s service provider customers to rapidly develop and integrate communications applications into the next generation network. TerreStar and its channel partners will test the ability of this new platform to help provide some of the fastest service provider response in the industry to new commercial market opportunities through rapid provisioning and deployment of new applications.

TerreStar, which has begun deploying its network for commercial launch in 2008 expects to operate as a carrier’s carrier, providing integrated next generation terrestrial and satellite mobility services to communications services providers¡ªsuch as wireless carriers, satellite vendors, wireless operators, and electric and telephony cooperatives¡ªand also providing services directly to companies and government entities.

“This type of innovative solution helps ensure that we can rapidly deliver the on-demand services over a mobile, ubiquitous next-generation satellite and land network that commercial service providers and enterprises need,” said Dennis Matheson, CTO at TerreStar.

“We are excited to work with TerreStar in helping transform communications in North America. Alcatel-Lucent’s leadership and experience in IMS-based services, innovation and operational capabilities can help TerreStar move swiftly along its path to deploy the first integrated satellite and land mobile broadband network and to bring ubiquitous mobile IP applications and services to North America,” said Cindy Christy, President of Alcatel-Lucent’s North American business.

Alcatel-Lucent’s solution for TerreStar will include key elements of its IMS portfolio including IMS session controller, consolidated subscriber management system, IMS media server, presence server and IMS application server. The combined capabilities can allow TerreStar to deliver an advanced set of services with multiple flexible quality of service options including: location based services which use presence technology to determine whether a person is available on the network, “push-to” technology that enables the convergence of voice, push-to-talk-over-cellular and push-to-view, to create personalized, presence-based services.

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