Inmarsat plc announced Sept. 27 it filed a petition with the U.S. Federal Communications Commission seeking authorization to provide mobile satellite services (MSS) by 2010 using a spacecraft that will operate in the 2 gigahertz (GHz) band. The proposed spacecraft is part of Inmarsat’s planned next generation global system, which will be focused on providing global voice, data and multimedia MSS offerings. The spacecraft also will facilitate the restoration or establishment of communications networks in times of crisis.

“The 2 GHz band is uniquely suited to support broadband and multimedia MSS services and the development of an integrated, interoperable satellite/terrestrial network that can provide uninterrupted, high quality communications services in a time of crisis,” Inmarsat CEO Andy Sukawaty said in a statement.