Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) posted a $3 million bond required by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to begin development of its next generation satellite system, MSV announced June 27.

The FCC authorized the company in May to launch and operate a next generation satellite at 101 degrees West to provide its wireless communications network, including the use of terrestrial repeaters.

MSV will issue a request for proposal within the next three months to manufacture the satellite, known as MSV-1, and for its Canadian counterpart MSV-2 as well as the previously authorized MSV-SA satellite that is intended to cover South America. MSV expects to announce a prime contractor before the end of 2005.