FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS:

March 7, 2005 Meribeth McCarrick (202) 418-0654

> <Meribeth.McCarrick@fcc.gov>
>
> Jacki Ponti (202) 418-0436
>
> <Jacki.Ponti@fcc.gov>

**FCC ANNOUNCES FINAL DETAILS OF 2^ND^ ANNUAL SATELLITE FORUM**

**TO BE HELD MARCH 21, 2005**

Washington, D.C. - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has
released the agenda and final details of the FCC's 2nd Annual Satellite
Forum to be held March 21^st^ at 10:00 am at the Commission. The event
will focus on the role satellites play in everyday communications and
how the lives of consumers in the United States and around the globe are
enhanced by these services. *A detailed agenda is attached.*

The forum, which is open to the public, will be held at the FCC
headquarters building, 445 12^th^ Street, SW, Washington, D.C. starting
at 10:00 am and ending at 3:30 pm. FCC Commissioners will participate in
various panel sessions throughout the day.

The forum will include four sessions which will highlight the areas of
mobility, integrated services, satellite solutions for the developing
world, and portability of satellite devices.

(1) **Mobility**: Session will session will outline satellite services
    that provide broadband communication capabilities to consumers as
    they move, in trains, airplanes and automobiles

(2) **Seamless Integration of Satellite Service:** This session will
    showcase communications services that combine satellite and other,
    terrestrial, technologies to serve consumers and businesses.

(3) **Global Solutions**: This session will discuss satellites providing
    instant infrastructure and disaster relief in the developing world.

(4) **Portability:** Session will display and discuss new, cutting edge
    consumer devices deployed for satellite communications.

The forum is designed to educate and inform the public about the variety
of satellite services available. The event will feature discussion
panels and interactive demonstrations of satellite-based communications
services.

**Webcast and Video**

Audio/Video coverage of the meeting will be broadcast live over the
Internet from the FCC's Audio/Video Events web page at
[www.fcc.gov/realaudio](http://www.fcc.gov/realaudio).

**Reasonable Accommodations**

Open captioning will be provided for this event. Other reasonable
accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request.
Include a description of the accommodation you will need including as
much detail as you can. Also include a way we can contact you if we need
more information. Make your request as early as possible; please allow
at least 5 days advance notice. Last minute requests will be accepted,
but may be impossible to fill. Send an e-mail to <fcc504@fcc.gov> or
call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice),
202-418-0432 (tty)

**Further Information**

Event Contacts: Mark Young, <Mark.Young@fcc.gov>, 202-418-0762 and Jacki
Ponti, <Jacki.Ponti@fcc.gov>, 202-418-0436.

Information will be posted on the event website at:
<http://www.fcc.gov/ib/sd/forum/>

\-- FCC \--

FCC Satellite Forum 2005:

*Satellite Services on the Move*

**AGENDA**

***(subject to revision)***

Monday March 21, 2005

Federal Communications Commission

445 12^th^ Street SW, Washington, DC

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**10:00 AM OPENING VIDEO PRESENTATION AND LAUNCH OF FCC SATELLITE
LEARNING CENTER**

**Welcome**

**Presenters:**

> Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology, Fairfax
> County, Virginia.
>
> Weyanoke Elementary School, Fairfax County, Virginia.

**Opening Remarks:**

Donald Abelson, Chief of the International Bureau

> *Transition to Session 1 -- No Break*

**10:20 AM -- 11:15 BROADBAND SATELLITE ON THE MOVE**

Presentations on satellite services that can provide broadband
communication capabilities to consumers wherever they demand it, on the
move: in trains, airplanes, automobiles and cruise ships.

**Remarks:** Chair (to be announced)

**Presenters:**

Yoel Gat, *RaySat*, *Inc.*

Robert Hanson, *Maritime Telecommunications Network*

Sean M. Schwinn, *Connexion by Boeing*

Bill Sullivan, *ViaSat, Inc.*

**11:30 AM -- 12:15 PM INTEGRATED SERVICES**

Presentations on communications services that combine satellite with
other, terrestrial, technologies to serve consumers and businesses.

**Remarks:** Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein.

> **Presenters:**

Otto W. Hoernig, III, *Spacelink International*

Jeffrey Carl, *Spacenet, Inc.*

Paul Bickford*, Bickford Broadcast Vehicles.*

Dick Tauber, *CNN*

**12:15 PM -- 1:30 PM Lunch Break**

**1:30 PM -- 2:15 PM SATELLITE SOLUTIONS FOR THE DEVELOPING WORLD**

This session will be a focused discussion of the needs and demands for
satellite services in developing countries, and a look at markets being
targeted by the satellite industry. The discussion will touch on
technical, economic, and regulatory challenges for satellite services in
several regions.

**Moderator:** International Bureau Chief Don Abelson

**Speakers:**

David Hartshorn, *Global VSAT Forum*

Sheila Donovan, *E-Link Americas*

Jonathan Metzger, *US AID*

**2:30 PM SATELLITE PORTABILITY**

A fast-moving display and discussion of new, hand-held, cutting edge
consumer devices deployed for satellite communications.

**Chair:** Thomas Tycz, Satellite Division Chief

> **Presenters:**
>
> Dan Murphy, *XM Satellite Radio.*
>
> Robert Briskman, *Sirius Satellite Radio*
>
> Mark Steel, *Swe-Dish Satellite Systems*

George Spohn, *Thrane & Thrane, Inc.*

> Matthew Mohebbi, *Hughes Network Systems*
>
> Jack Deasey, *Inmarsat, Inc.*

Dennis Allen, *Globalstar LLC*

Greg Ewert, *Iridium Satellite LLC*

Paul Witt, *NavTech GPS Supply*

Clark Lewis, *Northrup Grumman Mission Systems*

Adam Goldberg, *Sharp Laboratories of America*

**3:45 PM FORUM CONCLUDES**

Featured portable devices and their presenters will remain for an
additional hour of viewing.