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International Association of Fire Chiefs and SkyTerra Publish Information Paper on Communications Interoperability

Paper Describes Capabilities of Satellite Mutual Aid Radio Talkgroups

Reston, Va., March 3, 2009

           The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Technology Council, in cooperation with SkyTerra Communications, has published an extensive information paper on the Satellite Mutual Aid Radio Talkgroup Program (SMART) and how it enables and improves interoperable communications for public safety operations.

The paper, A SMART Model for Interoperable Communications, provides an in-depth look at the network of nationwide and regional talkgroups that provide effective, interoperable communications for pubic safety and emergency response operations. The program is managed and administered by a variety of federal, state and local public safety organizations. The paper was developed by the IAFC Technology Council.

“Achieving interoperable communications nationwide is an increasingly high priority for policymakers as well as for the public safety and emergency response communities,” noted Chief Charles Werner, chair of the IAFC Technology Council.  In the paper, Chief Werner describes how the SMART program tackles the financial and governance challenges that often impede the development of interoperable public safety communications. To use the SMART program, an agency must subscribe to SkyTerra’s service.

A SMART Model for Interoperable Communications is available for free download on the International Association of Fire Chief’s Web site - www.iafc.org - or by going to the SkyTerra Web site - www.skyterra.com.  Printed copies of the paper can be requested at whitepapers@skyterra.com. 

            SkyTerra Communications Inc. (OTCBB: SKYT) is a joint venture between SkyTerra LP and SkyTerra (Canada) Inc.  

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About the IAFC Technology Council (www.iafc.org)

The IAFC’s Technology Council serves as a knowledge center for technological developments that affect the fire service.  The Council provides a forum for information and knowledge exchange among different stakeholders, including fire chiefs, public safety organizations and vendors.  The IAFC is the voice of fire and emergency service leaders around the world. Established in 1873, the IAFC is a powerful network of more than 12,000 chief fire and emergency service officers who are the world’s leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials, natural disasters, search and rescue, and fire prevention and education.

 

About SkyTerra Communications (www.skyterra.com)

SkyTerra Communications (OTCBB: SKYT) delivers mobile wireless voice and data services primarily for public safety, security, fleet management and asset tracking in the U.S. and Canada. The company’s next-generation integrated satellite-terrestrial communications network is expected to provide seamless, transparent and ubiquitous wireless coverage of the United States and Canada to conventional handsets.  When completed, the network will support communications in a variety of market segments, including public safety, homeland security, telematics, transportation and entertainment, by providing a platform for interoperable, user-friendly and feature-rich voice and high-speed data services. 

 

Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act

This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, with respect to plans described in this news release.  Such statements generally include words such as could, can, anticipate, believe, expect, seek, pursue, proposed, potential and similar words.  Such forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties relating to the ability of SkyTerra and MSV to raise additional capital or consummate a strategic transaction or deploy the next generation system, as well as the ability of SkyTerra to execute its business plan.  We assume no obligation to update or supplement such forward-looking statements.