Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV) and Boeing announced in January 2006 a major commercial contract award for three satellites called MSV 1, 2, and SA and associated ground systems. Financial details of the award were not disclosed. After Mobile Satellite Ventures was renamed SkyTerra, the satellites are now known as SkyTerra 1 and 2.

Under this contract, three Boeing-built BSS-702GEM (Geomobile) satellites will enable the world's first commercial mobile satellite service using both space and terrestrial elements. The network, based on MSV's patented Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) technology, combines the best of satellite and cellular technology. It will deliver reliable, advanced, and widespread voice and data coverage throughout North and South America.

The satellites will use MSV's ATC technology to deliver service to wireless devices that are virtually identical to cell phone handsets in terms of aesthetics, cost, and functionality. Boeing will also develop ground-based systems that will provide advanced beam-forming flexibility and interference cancellation unprecedented in commercial satellite systems. These technological advances will allow MSV optimal deployment of its ATC technology and spectrum utilization.