Events for ICO @ FCC & Cape Canaveral

ICO Global Communications (Holdings) Limited (ICO) [NASDAQ:ICOG] has reported progress on two key regulatory proceedings before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The company also reported that their ICO G1 spacecraft had arrived at Cape Canaveral in preparation for its April 14 launch.

On Wednesday, March 5, the FCC released its Memorandum Opinion and Order (decision) and a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding the relocation of broadcast auxiliary services (BAS). The Order makes specific findings supporting ICO’s plans for in-orbit testing and its market trials in 2008. In addition, the Order requires detailed progress reporting on Sprint‘s BAS clearing efforts starting April 1, 2008, and proposes to eliminate, by January 2009, the requirement that the top 30 BAS markets be cleared before mobile satellite service (MSS) operators begin nationwide operations in 2009. Also on March 5, the FCC announced that it had found ICO’s application for use of an Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) to be acceptable for filing, and is seeking public comment on the application. Copies of both the FCC Order on BAS relocation and the application for ATC can be found on www.ico.com/_about/fcc/. In additional ICO news, preparations continue for the launch of the ICO G1 satellite on an Atlas V launch vehicle. The G1 spacecraft arrived at Cape Canaveral on February 28th and is undergoing final processing for the launch on April 14. The company is developing an advanced nexgen hybrid media system, combining satellite and terrestrial communications capabilities. ICO is deploying a mobile interactive media service known as ICO mim, which will combine ICO’s interactive satellite capability with nationwide coverage. This service will deliver a new level of navigation, enhanced roadside assistance and mobile video, including 10 to 15 live channels of premium television content—Reston, Virginia