The 2697 kg (5944 lbm) (on-orbit mass) BSS 601M model satellite was built by Boeing Satellite Systems, Inc., which contracted with International Launch Services for the launch in order to deliver the satellite in orbit. The satellites are 25 percent higher than standard BSS 601 model busses, standing 5 meters (16 feet) high due to the transmit and receive antennas. Each satellite will carry integrated C- and S-band transponders. An onboard narrow band digital processor will perform channelization, routing and beam-forming of the S-band payload. The digital processor can route communications to mobile users anywhere in 163 S-band spot beams over 30 MHz of bandwidth. Each satellite can support 4,500 simultaneous telephone calls. The solar arrays will provide 8.900 kW of end-of-life power.

The satellite will be owned and operated by New ICO (formerly ICO Global Communications). New ICO plans to provide wireless messaging, data transfer, telephone and Internet connectivity using small hand-held devices that can be used worldwide. Service is planned to begin in 2003, following a period of extensive customer testing in 2002.