Richmond - Governor Jim Gilmore today announced that ASTROLINK International LLC, a next generation global broadband wireless service company will locate its Network Operations Center (NOC) in the INNOVATION @ Prince William Technology Park. ASTROLINK will invest approximately $205 million in the new center, and could employ as many as 250 people. Virginia successfully competed with several other states for this investment.
"I am pleased to see so many new job opportunities for Virginians," said Governor Gilmore. "I am confident that the Commonwealth is a fertile environment for a telecommunications business such as ASTROLINK. Virginia continues to live up to its reputation as the Digital Dominion."
Governor Gilmore approved a $350,000 grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund to assist Prince William County with this project. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Prince William County Department of Economic Development assisted ASTROLINK with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
ASTROLINK is owned by Liberty Media, Lockheed Martin Global Telecommunications, Telespazio, and TRW. Based in Bethesda, Maryland, ASTROLINK will build and operate a global telecommunications network that leverages state-of-the-art satellite technology. ASTROLINK will focus on the high-growth area of broadband data services, carrying traffic for Internet, Intranet, multimedia, and corporate data networks. Customers will install small satellite dishes at businesses to connect quickly and cost-effectively to high-speed networks. The service will be complementary and compatible with other broadband services like fiber optic transmission and fixed wireless technologies.
"ASTROLINK is pleased to be working with the state and local officials in Virginia and Prince William County on the ASTROLINK operations center project. We chose this location because of its proximity to our headquarters and technical resources, the availability of a talented labor pool, and the favorable business environment and cooperative spirit exhibited by Virginia's economic development team and the Governor's office. We look forward to continuing our relationship and moving ahead with the ASTROLINK business," said Bill Gerety, ASTROLINK's Chief Operating Officer.
"Virginia is a leading technology center and we welcome new companies like ASTROLINK to the Commonwealth," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal. "More than half of the world's daily Internet traffic flows through Virginia."