SkyWave Mobile Communications Inc. From Startup to Wireless Global Service Provider... Peter Rossiter Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder .

SkyWave Mobile Communications Inc.

From Startup to Wireless Global Service Provider...

Peter Rossiter Chief Technology Officer & Co-Founder

www.skywave.com

Case Study

How publicly-funded Canadian Science & Technology helped SkyWave grow from a four-man startup in 1997 to a leading global wireless service provider in 2004

SkyWave Today...

Leader satellite short messaging servicesInmarsat “D+” StandardsGlobal coverage with 4 mobile satellitesTerminals and networkFounded 1997, 31 staffOver 35,000 terminals deliveredFinancing $3M in 1999 & $19.3M in 2002

Global Coverage via 4 Satellites

Hub Earth Station - Goonhilly (UK)

Second Hub in Auckland, NZ for Pacific

Serves Atlantic and Indian Ocean Regions

Typical Applications

Fleet Tracking Application

SkyWave D+ Satellite Terminals

Inmarsat D+ transceiverGPS receiverShort messagingProgrammable I/O

Summary: SkyWave provides

Global Coverage, Short Messaging via D+ Extremely Reliable Network Full Range of Terminal Products Comprehensive Customer Support and Wide range of supported applications,

and Effective Billing System.

SkyWave Startup Phase

Early days at SkyWave

4 Co-founders - all engineers Lots of ideas, but

Little moneyNo premises Skill gaps ( antenna design, pcb layout,

mechanical, graphics etc)Credibility concerns 2 weeks transition period

Knew CRC from previous working experience

Aerial View of CRC

CRC Innovation Centre

Joining the CRC Innovation Centre

Contacted Innovation Centre at CRC, Discussed business plans & accommodation

needs with CRC business development staff, Admission criteria:

need to use CRC facilities/researchers/satcom IPgood chance of succeeding in marketplace

Signed lease & moved in, Elapsed time: 2 weeks.

SkyWave Premises at CRC

CRC Facilities

Library Machine shop Antenna test chamber Environmental Test Facilities

Key CRC Technology – Antennas

Design & Testing

Innovation Centre - Benefits

Access to CRC technology, research & test facilities,

CRC/NRC/CSA support programs, Reasonable rent & flexible occupancy, Existing e-mail & internet, Secure premises, Tremendous credibility with customers

and potential investors

Development Support Funding

1997-1999 International Mobile Satellite Communication Program (CSA/CRC)

Two government/industry cost-shared contracts for terminal development

Early results attracted attention of US Navy who awarded SkyWave development contract and became early network customer

Other possible funding via IRAP etc.

Recognition from US DoD

Monthly Traffic - July 2004

Summary

SkyWave has benefited greatly from Canadian publicly funded science and technology and is pleased to share its experience with today’s audience

Special thanks to CRC for its generous support and excellent technology