Motient Corp, formerly called American Mobile Satellite Corp, has agreed to sell its wireless data services for the trucking industry to Aether Systems Inc.
Originally formed to launch and operate a wireless communications satellite, Motient also created an integrated terrestrial/satellite communications network that offers two-way messaging and data services to some 200 transportation fleets with about 15,000 vehicles.
Under the agreement, Aether will obtain all of Motient's retail customers in the transportation sector as well as the company's transportation-related products. Motient's contract to provide land-based wireless communications for UPS was not included in the sale.
Aether will pay Motient $45 million plus an additional sum of up to $22.5 million based on revenue and other incentive targets in 2001. The agreement also calls for Aether to resell $25 million worth of Motient satellite and terrestrial services over the next three years.
