Space Data Achieves Major Milestones
Innovative Technology Expands Wireless Coverage
Phoenix, AZ — Space Data Corporation recently accomplished several major milestones in its mission to provide wireless communication services in remote, rural, and outlying suburban areas. The company's system, which combines inexpensive communications electronics with weather balloons ("SkySites"), is an innovative solution for offering wireless service in out-of-coverage areas. This week, the FCC formally approved Space Data's balloon-based technology, a ruling that removed the final hurdle in the purchase and use of a nationwide spectrum license that Space Data acquired earlier this year.
In addition to these regulatory and licensing milestones, the Space Data team successfully demonstrated its system concept by sending wireless e-mail via a SkySite at 100,000 feet over Arizona skies to advanced messaging devices at the company's headquarters in Chandler, Arizona.
After working quietly for more than three years, Space Data will present its technology at the Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association (CTIA) Wireless I.T. & Internet 2001 show in San Diego.
"We have developed a cost-effective solution for filling in the coverage gaps for wireless customers in rural and outlying suburban areas," said Jerry Knoblach, CEO and co-founder of Space Data. "Our vision is to operate as a carrier for existing wireless carriers, which means that our system provides wireless coverage but is transparent to the user." The system will work seamlessly with existing wireless devices and service providers at a cost per user comparable to urban towers.
The Space Data system leverages reliable, proven technologies. For more than half a century, weather balloons have been the foundation of global meteorology. During a 20-mile ascent into the stratosphere, biodegradable latex weather balloons collect critical climate data unavailable from satellites. Every part of the United States and much of the world's landmass is in range of a weather balloon. Space Data's communications electronics attached to these balloons are lightweight, efficient, and extremely reliable. The company is working with the National Weather Service to attain agreements to operate its communications system in cooperation with the National Weather Service upper-air operations. Space Data will seek similar arrangements internationally.
Eric Frische, co-founder and CTO, stated, "We've assembled a great team of talented professionals with expertise in the areas of wireless technology, flight operations, meteorology, marketing, and finance." Knoblach added, "Our team has accomplished a phenomenal amount over the past year. We've conducted flight and bench tests, validated the technology, and have been successful in raising capital through private placement offerings."
The company recently completed its latest round of financing with the addition of $3 million in private placement funding, which brings the total financing to over $9 million to date. "Even in this tough economic climate, investors have seen the value of Space Data's service and technology," said Knoblach. The company, which has filed for patents to protect intellectual property, has completed the groundwork and is arranging institutional financing to deploy its network within a year.
With technological success, FCC approval, spectrum acquisition, and financing, Space Data Corporation is expanding the wireless horizon with its innovative solution.