After a boost from Bill Gates, Kymeta wins FCC’s approval for next-gen antennas

Redmond, Wash.-based Kymeta Corp., the mobile connectivity venture backed by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, says it has won the Federal Communications Commission’s blanket authorization for the operation of its next-generation u8 antenna terminal.

• Kymeta says the authorization marks a major milestone for the u8 terminal, which is currently in beta testing with commercial release scheduled for later this year. The company has also won type approvals for use of the terminal from several leading satellite service operators, including Intelsat, Echostar, Hellasat, KTSat and Telesat.

• Founded in 2012 as a spin-out from Intellectual Ventures, Kymeta’s flat-panel antennas can be electronically steered with no moving parts, thanks to exotic metamaterials technology. The antennas are the key to Kymeta Connect, a hybrid cellular-satellite data service that will be sold on a turnkey subscription basis starting at $999 for a gigabyte of data per month.

• Just last month, Kymeta announced the acquisition of Lepton Global Solutions to enhance the company’s satellite service offerings for military and government markets. The privately held company also reported an $85 million funding round led by Gates.

More from GeekWire:

• Gates-backed Kymeta unveils next-gen satellite antenna for hybrid connectivity

• Kymeta goes beyond antennas with acquisition of Lepton satellite service company

• Bill Gates leads $85M investment in Kymeta as satellite broadband venture preps for key rollout

• Kymeta rolls out its next-gen connectivity service, blending satellite and cellular links