TerreStar in trial to bring broadband to Vermont

Vermont officials have tapped TerreStar Networks Inc. to bring wireless broadband and telecommunications services to the state’s rural and underserved areas.
TerreStar, which is a subsidiary of Illinois’ Motient Corp., announced a pilot project to build a network that will be available for all voice and data service providers currently operating in Vermont, as well as new providers. The pilot project will be spearheaded by state Chief Information Officer Thomas Murray and will not require state funds, according to officials.
TerreStar executives were in Vermont today to meet with Gov. Jim Douglas to discuss strategies to quantify costs, identify obstacles and “measure the effectiveness of TerreStar’s next-generation communications network at providing wireless broadband and other telecommunications services to rural and remote communities in Vermont.”
“Pilot projects that test new and emerging technologies, like this one with TerreStar, are crucial to overcoming the challenges Vermont has encountered to bringing wireless and broadband service to all Vermonters,” said Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie. “We’re grateful that TerreStar has chosen to conduct this important project here in Vermont, and is making an investment to explore the feasibility of deploying their unique telecommunications network here.”