Early next year, Clearwire Corp. and ICO Global Communications will commence a mobile video trial in Raleigh, N.C., with equipment from Alcatel-Lucent and Hughes Network Systems.

The trial will test mobile video broadcast, as well as the feasibility of utilizing Clearwire’s 2.5 GHz spectrum and ICO’s 2.0 GHz spectrum more efficiently, ICO said. ICO is also planning a similar trial in Las Vegas.

Alcatel-Lucent will supply the system architecture and design based on the mobile multimedia DVB-SH open standard, and Hughes Network Systems will provide the device and the interactive elements based on the GMR standard.

For the trial, ICO will integrate its mobile interactive media (MIM) suite of services with Clearwire’s broadband network, and the suite will provide multiple channels of mobile video to large-screen user devices.

“Mobile two-way video, advanced interactive navigation, plus emergency calling and messaging becomes an even more compelling value proposition when integrated with a wireless broadband network such as Clearwire's,” said Tim Bryan, CEO of ICO. “We are well positioned to be the first provider of next-generation mobile satellite services, and we have a clearly differentiated offering by leveraging integrated satellite and terrestrial networks to deliver advanced consumer mobility services.”

ICO - a satellite communications company - is developing an advanced hybrid system, combining both satellite and terrestrial communications capabilities that will offer wireless voice, data, video and Internet services on mobile and portable devices.