EXHIBIT 99.1

Media Contacts:
Christopher Downie
Motient Communications
847-478-4200
chris.downie@motient.com


            Motient Announces FCC Ruling Granting ATC License for MSV


LINCOLNSHIRE, IL, November 9, 2004 -- Motient Corporation (MNCP) announced today
that on November 8, 2004, the Federal Communications Commission issued an order
granting Mobile Satellite Ventures LP's ancillary terrestrial component, or ATC,
license, the first ATC license ever granted by the FCC. The FCC also approved
several of MSV's waiver requests, allowing MSV to further enhance its service
and coverage, but it specifically deferred its ruling on other MSV waiver
requests. The order sets forth various limitations and conditions necessary to
the use of ATC by MSV, but there can be no assurances that such conditions will
be satisfied by MSV, or that such limitations will not be unnecessarily
burdensome to MSV.

This summary is expressly qualified by reference to the FCC's order, which may
be found on the FCC's website at:http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/
attachmatch/DA-04-3553A1.pdf. Please review the order for additional important
information regarding the authorizations and waivers granted to MSV, and the
limitations and conditions set forth therein.


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About Motient Corporation:

Motient Corporation is a nationwide provider of wireless data solutions for
Fortune 500 companies and the small to medium size enterprise business market.
Motient built and operated the nation's first wireless data network, DataTAC(R),
and offers proprietary applications, one source support and wireless consulting
services that enhance the performance, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of
enterprise wireless networks.

http://www.motient.com.

Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act:

With the exception of any historical information contained in this release, the
matters described herein contain forward-looking statements that involve risk
and uncertainties that may individually or mutually impact the matters herein
described, which could cause actual results or revenues to differ materially
from those contemplated by these statements.