Satellite Operators Launch SCS Promotion Association

Viasat, Terrestar, Ligado, Omnispace and Al Yah Satellite Communications have formed the Mobile Satellite Services Association, focused on supplemental coverage from space and the direct-to-device ecosystem. MSSA said it wants "to develop a global ecosystem utilizing over 100 MHz of L- and S-band spectrum already allocated and licensed for mobile satellite services," saying that spectrum is well-suited for integration into mobile devices. The new group said it plans to align with 3rd Generation Partnership Project standards for extending terrestrial mobile coverage for both mobile network operator and over-the-top services.