History

Ellipso^TM began by designing a unique global wireless network to extend seamlessly the Internet, cellular and public telephone systems virtually anywhere on the planet. Aimed at offering a range of Internet, wireless voice, unified messaging, positioning and other "third generation" value added services at prices familiar to cellular users, the design is now positioned to be merged at least partially or selectively into an existing infrastructure such as the ICO system. To achieve these ends Ellipso had assembled a unique team of world-class companies in aerospace technology.

Built-In Efficiencies

Despite the massive build-out of cellular networks, close to 80% of the world's landmass will remain uncovered indefinitely. And even in those areas with cellular service, there are frequent "dead spots" and temporary service outages due to congestion. As more people rely on wireless communications for business, personal and safety reasons, being out of touch becomes more and more costly. Only satellites provide ubiquitous wireless coverage, and Ellipso has the best satellite design in the business. Our patented orbital architecture means that our capacity is weighted heavily toward where people are, when they need to be in touch. Lacking Ellipso's design advantages, other systems are forced to waste capacity over oceans and at low-usage times of day - making their services more expensive. Ellipso's design is very efficient and can achieve mobile rates at a fraction of that of others systems. Since fully one-half of the world's population (3 billion people) lacks access to any telephone, Ellipso's ability to offer low-cost basic phone service opens up large markets across the developing world.

Ancillary Terrestrial Component

The FCC recently approved the use of MSS spectrum for terrestrial use known as the Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC). ATC facilitates reception in urban areas and within buildings. Ellipso believes that, together with ICO, it will be in a position to offer global 3G mobile wireless services before most 3G terrestrial systems are deployed.

In Summary

Ellipso was designed to be a low-cost, highly functional extension of existing communications networks. Some of its unique features include:

• Elliptical orbits that focus the satellites over high usage areas at high usage times‹ increasing effective capacity and lowering prices
• Simple, low-cost "bent pipe" satellites
• Satellite deployment in phases, allowing revenue generation with as few as 4 satellites deployed
• Orbital altitudes that minimize the number of "gateways" required, reducing ground segment costs
• An IP (Internet Protocol) "backbone" network, making us efficient, scalable and data-friendly
• A next-generation W-CDMA interface between our satellites and user terminals, bringing easier integration into even the most advanced wireless networks easily and with maximum efficiency.

What all of this means to the user is a virtually seamless, low-cost extension of Internet, voice and other data applications wherever and whenever they need to send an e-mail or make a phone call.

EllipsoToday

The intellectual property associated with the Ellipso design is now "merged" with the ICO satellite system and provides ICO potential additional efficiencies and minimum cost of augmentation strategies, particularly in planned 3G services and ATC.

Technical Partners

The Boeing Company acted as the system integrator for design, development, construction and deployment of the Ellipso system. Boeing Communications and Information Management Systems organization located in Anaheim, CA managed this project. Boeing provided both equity and vendor-financing.
http://www.boeing.com/

L-3 Communications brought to Ellipso, Inc. its digital communications technology for mobile and fixed-site user terminals. L-3 Com also developed and supported the integration of wideband CDMA - based processing subsystem equipment in the Ellipso ground segment that was under development by Lockheed Martin Global Telecommunications.
http://www.l-3com.com/

Harris Corporation is a leader in spacecraft communications and managed the development of the communications payload for the Ellipso communications system.
http://www.harris.com/harris/

IAI, participated in the construction of the Ellipso space segment, developing the power and propulsion subsystems for the spacecraft as well as hardware for the TT&C sites.