How ’bout that. After years of the same players in the cellular service business, it looks like someone else is joining the fray. Boeing, of all companies, has ordered over $500 million worth of satellites to build what will eventually become a new satellite-cellular communications network. The order came from Mobile Satellite Ventures, and under the new deal, three Boeing geo-mobile satellites will support cellular and data service in North and Latin America. And here’s the nicest perk. Boeing plans on installing ground-based cellular stations in urban areas, where as many of us know, signals are always spotty. I’d be willing to pay a little extra for that, rather than getting “Maid to Order 2” on my cellphone. The first satellite is due to launch in 2009, with the others to follow the next year.
