Satellite launch brings hopes of better cell service to rural Vermont

(Host) The successful launching of the world's largest commercial satellite could bring vastly improved wireless cell phone coverage to rural parts of Vermont.

Lt. Governor Brian Dubie says this new technology could also provide critical services for first responders in the northern part of the state.

VPRs Bob Kinzel reports.

(Kinzel) The launch of the satellite by Terrastar Networks was in doubt because of inclement weather at Arianespace headquarters along the coast of French Guiana.  The European space company has built a huge facility in this location because it's easier to launch heavier satellites closer to the equator.

But just before two in the afternoon, the weather cleared and a company spokesperson told a world wide audience watching the launch on the Internet that the mission was a go:

(Arianespace spokesperson)

"We just got the information everything is fine on the weather and we got a green and that is everything's fine."

(Kinzel) This project has been a top priority for Lt. Governor Brian Dubie for the past few years.

The goal of this new technology is to use a satellite to link ground based phone, data and video networks in the most rural parts of the state.

Dubie went to French Guiana for the launch and said the project could help Vermont achieve statewide cell phone capability by the end of next year:

(Dubie)"It's the world's largest antennae ever designed. It's 18 meters, about 60 feet across, the size of this antennae on this satellite that's going to be 22,300 miles above Newport Vermont - above the state of Vermont - all that distance and the size of the antennae translates into capability for allowing a conventional cell phone device - the size of a conventional cell phone - to be able to not have a dropped call. Or if you're in a place that doesn't have a cell tower, this satellite would provide capability."

(Kinzel) Dubie, who chairs the Governor's Homeland Security Advisory Council, says the new technology also has a direct application for emergency response personnel:

(Dubie)"When you think about an amber alert near or on the Canadian border, interoperability is a word that I really take seriously. And what interoperability means is that people that need to communicate with one another perhaps over or through the international Canadian border they need to do it in real time. And this satellite could provide some interoperability solutions for first responders."

(Kinzel) The Terrastar project will require a new generation of cell phones. The company plans to supply special handsets to first responders in the northeast kingdom as part of their pilot demonstration program.

For VPR News I'm Bob Kinzel in Montpelier.