Two dual-mode satellite/cell phones in the pipeline for SkyTerra

As we saw earlier in the summer, Hybrid Satellite/Cell phones are almost here, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is playing a major role in their advancement.

SkyTerra Safety Access, a subdivision of SkyTerra Communications (formerly Mobile Satellite Ventures), has applied for $37 million in funds from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) under the Act. The plan is for these funds to be used to develop and deploy two dual-mode Cell/Sat phones for the public safety sector.

On the ground, the devices will work in the 700 MHz band, the chunk of wireless spectrum formerly occupied by analog UHF television signals which was freed for use in June following the DTV transition. When that signal is unavailable, the phones will switch to satellite mode.

"Incorporating the satellite capability into the 700 MHz handsets for the public safety community is very cost effective, as it allows public safety agencies to cut over to terrestrial facilities as soon as they have a small 700 MHz network, then build out in phases as funds are available," said SkyTerra CEO Alexander Good in a statement yesterday.

SkyTerra has plans to launch two new commercial satellites in the first half of 2010. Once launched, the company intends to offer its services in homeland security, aviation, transportation and entertainment in addition to public safety.