Inmarsat said it would apply for authorization to operate ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) facilities in the United States to provide voice and data communications using L-band frequencies. The announcement comes after the Federal Communications Commission reaffirmed its decision to allow satellite operators to integrate ATC to existing mobile satellite service systems.

“The ruling presents Inmarsat with a new opportunity,” Inmarsat Chairman and CEO Andrew Sukawaty said in a prepared statement. “We are delighted that the FCC has re-stated the importance of protecting primary services.”