Unlike most satellite services that cover the entire North American continent, the SkyTerra-1 satellite will transmit 500 spot beams that each cover a small area. The use of spot beams means a higher power signal on the ground and allows frequencies and bandwidth to be reused across the full coverage area without interference.

Lightsquared, a privately-held company owned by Harbinger Capital Partners, won't offer its service direct to consumers. It will sell to carriers that will in turn offer it to end-users. Commercial service is due in 2011.

The IDG News Service