Kymeta has now received a green light from the FCC for commercial distribution of 11,000 of its KyWay terminals in the United States. This is the first-ever blanket license issued by the FCC for an electronically-steered, beam-forming flat panel antenna terminal, a significant milestone for the satellite communications industry at-large. It is also the first-ever blanket license issued by the FCC for any vehicle-mounted earth station terminal. Kymeta also received an indefinite-term, unlimited installation commercial license from the UK regulatory agency, Ofcom. Kymeta KyWay terminals will be available under these licenses for land mobile, maritime, and fixed IoT applications.
The FCC’s blanket license will allow Kymeta to operate 5,000 vehicle-mounted earth stations (VMEs), 5,000 fixed IoT installations, and 1,000 maritime earth stations on vessels (ESVs). With the implications for maritime, IoT and the automotive industry in the United States being significant, this is the first time electronically-steered, beam-forming flat panel antenna terminals have been given blanket authorization by the FCC. The satellite spectrum has 5,000 times the capacity of all terrestrial networks, and that means that connected cars, construction sites, vessels, rail, buses, and other traditionally difficult-to-connect industries are now going to have the opportunity for uninterrupted access wherever they are, and wherever they go.
The company also received authorization from UK’s Ofcom to provide service to an unlimited number of vehicle-mounted, shipboard and IoT installations in the United Kingdom. This authorization from a European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) and Electronic Communications Committee (ECC) member country is an important milestone. Ofcom’s compliance with ECC decisions regarding ESVs means that Kymeta installations under this authority are granted free circulation in the 48 CEPT member countries.
Ofcom and FCC approvals are major milestones for the company as they enable seamless connectivity in the US, Caribbean and Europe - the most populated areas for satellite communication.
