MOTIENT CORP
S-3, 2000-07-24
COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES, NEC
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   As  filed  with  the   Securities  and  Exchange Commission on July 24, 2000.
                                                      Registration No. 333-
                                                                           -----
================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                 ---------------

                                    FORM S-3
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                      UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                                 ---------------

                               MOTIENT CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                                    Delaware
         (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)


                            10802 Parkridge Boulevard
                           Reston, Virginia 20191-5416
                                 (703) 758-6000

          (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
             area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

                                 ---------------

                                 Randy S. Segal
                         Senior Vice President, General
                              Counsel and Secretary
                               Motient Corporation
                            10802 Parkridge Boulevard
                           Reston, Virginia 20191-5416
                                 (703) 758-6000

            (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
                   including area code, of agent for service)


    Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:  As soon as
practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

    If the only  securities  being  registered  on this Form are  being  offered
pursuant to dividend or interest  reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [ ]

    If any of the securities being registered on this  Form are to be offered on
a  delayed or continuous  basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933 (as defined below),  other than securities offered only  in connection with
dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.  [X]

    If this Form is filed to  register  additional  securities  for an  offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list  the  Securities  Act  registration  statement  number  of the  earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
                                                           ------------

    If this Form is a  post-effective  amendment  filed  pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the  Securities  Act,  check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration  statement number of the earlier effective  registration  statement
for the same offering. [ ]
                          ----------

    If delivery of the  prospectus  is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [ ]
                                    ---------------

                         CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

-------------------------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------
                                                       Proposed Maximum       Proposed Maximum
                                                        Offering Price       Aggregate Offering        Amount of
    Title of Each Class of          Amount Being          Per Unit(1)             Price(1)         Registration Fee
  Securities to be Registered        Registered
-------------------------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------
<S>                               <C>                 <C>                    <C>                       <C>
Common Stock, $.01 par value
per share                         $600,000,000(2)     $600,000,000(2)(3)     $600,000,000(2)(3)        $158,400
Preferred Stock, $.01 par
value per share
Warrants
-------------------------------- ------------------- ---------------------- ---------------------- ------------------
</TABLE>
(1)      Estimated  in accordance  with Rule 457 under the Securities Act solely
         for the purpose of computing the amount of the registration fee.

(2)      Not specified as to each class of security to be registered pursuant to
         General  Instruction  II.D.  of Form S-3.  An  indeterminate  number of
         shares of common stock,  preferred  stock and warrants as may be issued
         from time to time at indeterminate prices.

(3)      In no event will the aggregate  initial  public  offering  price of all
         securities issued from time to time by the Registrant  pursuant to this
         registration  statement  exceed  $600,000,000.  The aggregate amount of
         common stock  registered  hereunder is further limited to that which is
         permissible  under Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act. The securities
         registered  hereunder  may be sold  separately  or as units  with other
         securities registered hereunder.

---------------

    The  registrant  hereby amends this  registration  statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall
file a further  amendment  which  specifically  states  that  this  registration
statement shall  thereafter  become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act or until this  registration  statement shall become effective
on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission,  acting pursuant to said
Section 8(a), may determine.

================================================================================



<PAGE>



                   Subject to Completion, Dated July 24, 2000

                             PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
                             [MOTIENT LOGO OMITTED]

                               MOTIENT CORPORATION

                                 ---------------

                                  $600,000,000

                   Common Stock, Preferred Stock and Warrants

                                 ---------------

         We may offer from time to time in one or more offerings an aggregate of
up to  $600,000,000  of our common  stock,  preferred  stock,  and  warrants  to
purchase  our common stock or preferred  stock.  We may offer the common  stock,
preferred stock, and warrants  (collectively,  the  "securities")  separately or
together,  in separate series in amounts, at prices and on terms to be set forth
in one or more supplements to this prospectus (each, a "prospectus supplement").
When we decide to issue securities,  we will provide you with the specific terms
and the public offering price of the securities in prospectus  supplements.  You
should read this prospectus and the prospectus  supplements carefully before you
invest. This prospectus may not be used by us to offer or sell securities unless
accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

          Our common  stock is listed on the Nasdaq  National  Market  under the
symbol "MTNT."  On July 21, 2000,  the last reported  sale price  of our common
stock on the Nasdaq National Market was $14.06 per share.

         See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 5 of this prospectus to read about
certain risks that you should consider before buying shares of our common stock.

                                 ---------------

         Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any other regulatory
body has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy
or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal
offense.

                                 ---------------

              The date of this prospectus is        , 2000.
                                             -------

<PAGE>


                                      -ii-

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE


About This Prospectus........................................................iii
About Motient..................................................................1
Recent Developments............................................................3
Risk Factors...................................................................5
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock Dividends..............17
Use of Proceeds...............................................................17
Plan of Distribution..........................................................17
Description of Capital Stock..................................................19
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference...............................22
Where You Can Find More Information...........................................23
Experts.......................................................................24
Pro Forma Financial Information..............................................P-1



    This prospectus contains and incorporates  forward-looking  statements.  All
statements  regarding our expected financial position and operating results, our
business strategy and our financing plans are forward-looking statements.  These
statements can sometimes be identified by our use of forward-looking  words such
as "may," "will,"  "anticipate,"  "estimate,"  "expect," "project," or "intend."
These  forward-looking  statements  reflect our plans,  expectations and beliefs
and,  accordingly,  are subject to certain  risks and  uncertainties.  We cannot
guarantee that any of such forward-looking statements will be realized.

    Factors  that may cause  actual  results  to differ  materially  from  those
contemplated  by such  forward-looking  statements  include,  among others,  the
factors  discussed in the Risk Factors  section of this  prospectus,  as well as
other  reports  that we file with the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission.  We
undertake  no  obligation  to  update  or revise  publicly  any  forward-looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

     Our  forward-looking  statements are based on  information  available to us
today,  and we will not update these  statements.  Our actual results may differ
significantly from the results discussed.


<PAGE>


                                     --iii-

                              ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

         This prospectus is part of a registration  statement that we filed with
the Securities and Exchange  Commission  using a "shelf"  registration  process.
Under this shelf process, we may from time to time sell any number of the shares
of  common  stock  and  preferred  stock  described  in this  prospectus  and an
indeterminate  number of warrants to  purchase  such shares of common  stock and
preferred stock in one or more offerings up to a total amount of $600,000,000.

         This  prospectus  provides  you  with  a  general  description  of  the
securities  we may  offer.  Each  time we sell  securities,  we will  provide  a
prospectus  supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of
that  offering.  The  prospectus  supplement  may also  add,  update  or  change
information  contained in this prospectus.  You should read both this prospectus
and any prospectus supplement together with the additional information described
below under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."

         The registration statement that contains this prospectus, including the
exhibits to the  registration  statement  and the  information  incorporated  by
reference,  contains  additional  information about the securities offered under
this prospectus.  That registration  statement can be read at the Securities and
Exchange  Commission,  or SEC,  web site or at the SEC offices  mentioned  below
under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information."

         You should rely only on the information provided in this prospectus and
in  any  prospectus  supplement,   including  the  information  incorporated  by
reference.  We  have  not  authorized  anyone  to  provide  you  with  different
information.  You should not assume that the information in this prospectus,  or
any supplement to this  prospectus,  is accurate at any date other than the date
indicated on the cover page of these documents.


<PAGE>




                                  ABOUT MOTIENT
                                  -------------

         We are a nationwide provider of two-way,  wireless mobile data services
and mobile Internet  services,  principally for  business-to-business  uses. Our
customers use our networks and applications for email messaging and dispatch and
voice  communications  services,  enabling  businesses  and  mobile  workers  to
transfer electronic  information and messages and access corporate databases and
the  Internet.  We have  developed  a versatile  array of  services  targeted at
customers  in  four  primary  market  segments:   (1)  mobile  email  and  other
Internet-based content services, (2) telemetry, which refers to device to device
communications for database access or remote monitoring,  (3) transportation and
package  delivery,  and (4) field  services.  Our network is designed to offer a
broad array of wireless data services such as:

o             two-way mobile Internet services, including our eLink(SM) wireless
              email service, that provide  business-to-business users integrated
              wireless  access to a broad range of corporate and Internet  email
              and Net-based information;

o             telemetry systems  that connect remote equipment, such as wireless
              point-of-sale terminals, with a central monitoring facility;

o             mobile data  and  call dispatch  fleet management systems, used by
              large transportation companies and field service organizations;

o             global  position tracking systems that permit businesses to manage
              mobile assets; and

o             point-to-multi-point  voice communications systems used by natural
              resource  companies,  utilities,  government  agencies  and  other
              entities with mobile fleets and field workers.

         We have been providing  terrestrial  wireless services to customers for
several years, using a network which possesses four key design  attributes:  (1)
two-way communication,  (2) deep in-building penetration, (3) user mobility, and
(4) broad nationwide coverage. We offer our customers the nation's largest, most
fully-deployed  terrestrial  wireless  two-way data network,  comprising  nearly
2,000 base stations that provide  service to 427 of the nation's  largest cities
and towns, including virtually all metropolitan areas. In 1999, we significantly
improved terrestrial network performance and coverage,  adding approximately 300
new  base  stations.   Our  satellite  in  geosynchronous   orbit  overlays  our
terrestrial network,  thereby extending the service area coverage of our network
for certain of our service offerings throughout all 50 states and the Caribbean.
The satellite also provides nationwide voice and dispatch services.  As of March
31, 2000, there were approximately  151,033 end users on our networks,  of which
131,949 were using data services and 19,084 were using voice services.

         We believe that our network's  rapid message  response time,  extensive
nationwide  coverage  and  deep  in-building  penetration  are  key  competitive
advantages. Our business-to-business  customers enjoy the advantages of wireless
integrated  network  applications  and  mobile  Internet  services  for  mission
critical applications,  built on a fully redundant network architecture.  We are
the only  mobile  data  network  to offer  guaranteed  message  delivery  to our
customers.

                                       -1-


Our Investment in XM Radio
--------------------------

         In  addition  to our  core  wireless  business,  we have a  significant
investment in XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. ("XM Radio"), a development stage
company.  XM Radio is seeking to become a nationwide provider of digital quality
audio  entertainment  and  information   programming   transmitted  directly  by
satellites to vehicle,  home and portable  radios.  XM Radio owns one of two FCC
licenses  to provide a  satellite  digital  audio  radio  service for the United
States.  XM Radio is developing  its service,  which it will call "XM Radio," to
provide a wide  variety  of music,  news,  talk,  sports  and other  programming
offering up to 100 distinctive  channels.  XM Radio completed its initial public
offering in October 1999.

                                      * * *

         Our  principal   executive  offices  are  located  at  10802  Parkridge
Boulevard,  Reston,  Virginia  20191-5416,  and our  telephone  number  is (703)
758-6000.  We  also  maintain  an  Internet  site  on  the  World  Wide  Web  at
www.motient.com. Information contained at our web site is not, and should not be
deemed  to be, a part of this  prospectus.  For  further  information  about our
business and operations, reference is made to our reports incorporated herein by
reference. See "Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference" below.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>


                               RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
                               -------------------

         On June 29,  2000,  we entered  into a series of  transactions,  with a
group of investors,  relating to our satellite  communications  business.  These
transactions are described below.

         We have  formed  a new  joint  venture  subsidiary,  Motient  Satellite
Ventures  LLC  ("Satellite  Ventures"),  in which  we own 80% of the  membership
interests.  The remaining  20% interest in Satellite  Ventures is owned by three
investors  controlled  by Columbia  Capital,  Spectrum  Equity  Investors LP and
Telcom Ventures, L.L.C. (collectively,  the "Investors"). The Investors paid $50
million (in the  aggregate)  to  Satellite  Ventures  in exchange  for their 20%
interest, pursuant to an Investment Agreement, dated June 29, 2000, by and among
Motient, Satellite Ventures, and the Investors.

         Of the $50 million payment received by Satellite  Ventures,  $6 million
is  being  retained  by  Satellite  Ventures  and  will be used to fund  certain
research and development  activities,  with the remaining $44 million to be paid
to Motient  Services  Inc.  (which owns our satellite  and related  assets),  as
described  below.  Motient is not  required to provide  additional  financing to
Satellite Ventures.

         Satellite Ventures will conduct research and development  activities to
explore the  technical,  strategic,  and market  potential of new wireless  data
communications services making use of our existing satellite network.  Satellite
Ventures has signed a Research & Development,  Marketing and Service  Agreement,
dated June 29, 2000 (the "R&D Agreement"),  with Motient  Services,  under which
Motient Services will provide technical,  engineering, and similar assistance to
Satellite  Ventures.  Motient Services will also provide Satellite Ventures with
dedicated  bandwidth  on its  satellite  network,  for the purpose of  Satellite
Ventures'  testing and R&D  activities.  In exchange for these access rights and
services,  Satellite Ventures has paid Motient Services a one-time, up-front fee
of $20 million.  The R&D Agreement has a three-year  term,  but would  terminate
upon any consummation of the Asset Sale Agreement described below.

         At any time during the next two years,  the Investors have the right to
elect to purchase up to an additional  40% stake in Satellite  Ventures,  for an
extra payment of $120 million  (which amount will increase by a specified  daily
amount,  after  one  year)  (such  payment  is  referred  to as the  "Additional
Payment").  Upon such exercise,  Satellite Ventures will consummate the purchase
of all of the assets  owned by Motient  Services  that  relate to the  satellite
business, pursuant to the terms of an Asset Sale Agreement, dated June 29, 2000,
between  Satellite  Ventures and Motient  Services.  The purchase price for such
assets  will be  equal to the sum of $24  million  (paid  as a down  payment  in
connection  with the signing of the Asset Sale  Agreement),  and the  Additional

                                      -3-

<PAGE>

Payment  received by Satellite  Ventures from the Investors  (i.e.,  for a total
price of $144 million, increasing after the first year). The consummation of any
such  transfer  of assets  to  Satellite  Ventures  pursuant  to the Asset  Sale
Agreement  would be subject to receipt of all necessary  governmental  approvals
and consents,  including, for example, FCC approval with respect to the transfer
of our FCC licenses with respect to our satellite  communications  business, and
any necessary approvals under the Hart-Scott-Rodino  Antitrust Improvements Act,
as well as customary  conditions  relating to due  diligence  review and similar
matters.

         Also at any time  during the next two years,  if the  Investors  decide
that they do not wish to acquire  control of Satellite  Ventures and acquire the
satellite assets of Motient Services as described above,  they may convert their
existing  minority  position  in  Satellite  Ventures  into shares of our common
stock, at a conversion price which will be set at the time of exercise,  between
$12 and $20 per share, as specified in the Investment  Agreement.  The Investors
may not exercise  this right,  however,  until after  December 29, 2000,  except
under certain limited circumstances.

     Under the terms of the bank facility waivers we received in connection with
these transactions, $2.75 million of the initial $44 million payment we received
was used to repay outstanding amounts, and permanently reduce commitments, under
our  revolving  credit  facility,  with the remainder of the initial $44 million
payment  retained by us. If the Investors  elect to acquire control of Satellite
Ventures and the Additional  Payment is made as described above, then we will be
required to use 50% of such  proceeds to pay down  outstanding  balances  and/or
reduce commitments, under our revolving credit facility.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>


                                  RISK FACTORS
                                  ------------

       You should carefully consider the risks described below together with all
of the  other  information  provided  and  incorporated  by  reference  in  this
prospectus  before making an investment  decision.  The risks and  uncertainties
described  below  are  not  the  only  ones  we  face.   Additional   risks  and
uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may
also impair our business operations.

       If any of the following  risks actually  occur,  our business,  financial
condition or results of operations could be materially  adversely  affected.  In
such case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose
all or part of your investment.

We have substantial and continuing operating losses
---------------------------------------------------

         We have incurred  significant  operating losses and negative cash flows
in each year since we began  operations.  These losses are due  primarily to the
costs of  developing  and building  our  networks,  and the cost of  developing,
selling and providing our products and services. For the year ended December 31,
1999 and the quarter ended March 31, 2000, excluding the impact of consolidating
XM Radio,  we reported  operating  losses of $202.7  million and $21.7  million,
respectively. For the year ended December 31, 1998, on a pro forma basis for our
acquisition of Motient Communications Company (formerly known as ARDIS Company),
we reported  operating  losses of  approximately  $93.4 million.  For historical
periods  prior  to  our  acquisition  of  Motient  Communications,  we  reported
operating losses of  approximately  $97.4 million and $120.0 million in 1997 and
1996,  respectively.  During these same periods, Motient Communications reported
operating losses of approximately  $17.4 million and $29.2 million. In addition,
XM Radio incurred  aggregate net losses of  approximately  $1.7 million from its
inception  through  December 31, 1997,  and an  additional  $53.0 million in the
24-month  period ended  December  31, 1999.  We expect XM Radio's net losses and
negative  cash  flow to  continue.  We expect to  continue  to make  significant
capital  outlays to fund  interest  expense,  capital  expenditures  and working
capital before we begin to generate  positive cash flow from  operations.  These
outlays are expected to continue for the foreseeable  future.  We expect to have
significant operating losses and will record significant net cash outflow in the
near  term.  We cannot  guarantee  that we will  have  sufficient  resources  to
complete  the  expenditures  required  to  operate  our  business  or to achieve
positive  free cash flow  within  the time  frame  contemplated  by our  current
projections.

         Since our  inception,  we have been engaged in developing our business,
recruiting key management and technical  personnel,  raising capital to fund our
operations,  and  developing  our network.  We have  introduced a variety of new
products  and  services,  some of which  have  not  achieved  widespread  market
acceptance.  We expect to continue to launch new products and services,  some of
which will be  introduced  in new market  segments,  in order to  capitalize  on
emerging  trends in our  industry.  The launch of such new products or the entry
into new market segments may require us to spend additional capital, which could
cause us to  continue  to incur  significant  operating  losses.  Our ability to
generate  positive  free cash flow will depend upon,  among other  factors,  the
successful marketing of our services,  including recently-launched services such
as our eLink wireless  email service.  We may not be successful in marketing and
selling such services.


                                   -5-

<PAGE>

Our extension into new wireless markets involves risks
------------------------------------------------------


         In October 1999, we launched our eLink wireless  email  service,  which
uses a  palm-sized  device that  combines  two-way  wireless  email and personal
information  management  software.  We believe  that this  service  represents a
significant  growth  opportunity  for us.  However,  the market for this type of
service is relatively untested and,  therefore,  there is a risk that demand for
this service will not be as  substantial as we hope. The failure of this service
to gain market acceptance in a timely manner or at all or the failure to achieve
significant  market  penetration  could  harm our  business.  Our eLink  service
competes with a variety of services  that offer  two-way  messaging and Personal
Digital Assistant (PDA) functionality on small,  portable devices. Most of these
competing  services are  better-established  in the  marketplace and many of our
competitors have substantially greater financial,  technical,  marketing, sales,
distribution and other resources than ours.  Although we compete  primarily with
Research in Motion's  BlackBerry email service,  we recently signed an agreement
with Research in Motion  permitting us to market the  BlackBerry  service in the
United  States for use on our  network.  Our primary  distribution  strategy for
eLink makes us  substantially  dependent on the efforts of third party  partners
and resellers,  and if such resellers fail to adequately  promote our service or
otherwise  perform  their  obligations  to us, sales of the eLink service may be
less than expected. In addition, we have spent, and expect to continue to spend,
significant  operating  expenses and capital  expenditures  on the  development,
testing, marketing, and distribution of the eLink service. As of March 31, 2000,
we were  contractually  committed  to  purchase  approximately  $6.1  million of
additional eLink devices from the manufacturer.  If the service does not achieve
acceptable levels of market acceptance, these expenditures and commitments could
depress our operating results.  If the service achieves market  acceptance,  its
success will depend,  in part, on our ability to maintain an adequate  supply of
devices,  which are supplied by Research in Motion, a competitor in the wireless
email market over whom we have no control. The success of the eLink service will
also depend on our  ability to  continue  to use,  promote and protect the eLink
service name and the other intellectual property associated with the service.

We have substantial indebtedness, which may make our business more vulnerable
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

         As of March 31,  2000,  our total  indebtedness  (excluding  debt of XM
Radio)  was  approximately  $470.3  million,  and  $463.1  million  net of  debt
discount.  As of March  31,  2000,  we had  $21.0  million  available  under our
revolving  credit  facility  and  $1.1  million  available  under  an  equipment
financing  facility from Motorola.  For the quarter ended March 31, 2000 and the
year ended December 31, 1999, our earnings would have been insufficient to cover
fixed charges by  approximately  $4.0 million and $328.2 million,  respectively,
and, on a pro forma  basis after  giving  effect to the  acquisition  of Motient
Communications  and the  related  financing  as if these  transactions  had been
consummated on January 1 of the period  presented,  our earnings would have been
insufficient to cover our fixed charges by approximately  $120.7 million for the
year ended  December 31, 1997 and $160.0 million for the year ended December 31,
1998.  At March 31,  2000,  our  stockholders'  equity was  approximately  $48.2
million.  We  and  our  subsidiaries  will  be  permitted  to  incur  additional
indebtedness in the future.

                                      -6-

<PAGE>

         Beginning  October 1, 2001,  Motient  Holdings Inc.,  our  wholly-owned
subsidiary,   will  be  required  to  make  semi-annual   interest  payments  of
approximately  $20.5 million on our 12 1/4% senior secured notes due 2008. Prior
to October 1, 2001,  these interest  payments will be funded by a portion of the
interest  reserve of  approximately  $112.3  million of  restricted  investments
purchased at the time the senior  secured  notes were issued.  Historically,  we
have not generated sufficient earnings or cash flow from operations to make such
interest payments.

         The degree to which we are leveraged could have important  consequences
to the success of our business including, but not limited to:

o             increasing  our  vulnerability  to  general  adverse  economic and
              industry conditions;

o             limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund future
              working capital,  capital  expenditures,  research and development
              and other general corporate requirements;

o             requiring the dedication of a substantial portion of our cash flow
              from  operations  to the payment of principal of, and interest on,
              our  indebtedness,  thereby reducing the availability of such cash
              flow to fund working capital,  capital expenditures,  research and
              development or for other general corporate purposes;

o             limiting our flexibility in planning for,  or reacting to, changes
              in our business and the industry; and

o             placing  us  at  a  competitive  disadvantage  as compared to less
              leveraged competitors.

We may need additional capital but it might not be available
------------------------------------------------------------

         We expect to continue to make significant outlays to fund debt service,
capital  expenditures and working capital,  both before and after we become cash
flow  positive.  While we  believe  that the net  proceeds  from this  offering,
together with existing  available  borrowings,  proceeds from option and warrant
exercises,   and  proceeds   from  the  sale  of   inventory   relating  to  new
services-eLink  and  MobileMAX2,  will be sufficient to fund  operating  losses,
capital expenditures, working capital, and debt service through the time when we
expect to generate positive free cash flow sufficient to fund these items, it is
possible that our cash flows from operations will be less than projected or will
not occur when  projected.  In such event,  we will require  additional  debt or
equity  financing in amounts  that could be  substantial.  The type,  timing and
terms  of  financing  we may  select  will  depend  upon  our  cash  needs,  the
availability  of other  financing  sources and the prevailing  conditions in the
financial  markets.  We cannot  guarantee  that we will be able to find any such
sources at any given time on favorable terms.

                                      -7-

<PAGE>


         We cannot guarantee that our current projections will be accurate.  Our
projections  will depend upon numerous  future factors and  conditions,  many of
which are outside of our control. Our projections are merely estimates of future
events and you  should  expect  actual  events to vary from  current  estimates,
possibly  materially.  In  addition,  if  customer  demand  exceeds  our current
expectations and we can accommodate such demand without adversely  affecting the
quality of our service, we are likely to attempt to accelerate our expansion. If
we elect to introduce new products or services, our funding needs will increase,
possibly  to a  significant  degree.  If there is a rapid  increase  in customer
demand for recently launched services, such as our eLink wireless email service,
we may need to order  substantial  quantities of  inventory,  which will require
significant  working capital which we may need to finance.  In addition,  we are
contractually  committed to purchase  significant  additional  quantities of the
eLink device and MobileMAX2(TM),  our second generation terminal to be used with
our multi-mode  messaging service. If customer demand for these devices does not
meet  our  expectations  or if  the  rollout  of new  services  is  slower  than
anticipated,  we may need to finance significant amounts of inventory purchases.
We cannot  guarantee that we will be able to secure any additional  financing on
commercially  reasonable  terms or at all. Our cost of expanding our network and
operating  our business,  as well as our  revenues,  will depend on a variety of
factors including:

o        our ability to meet our expansion schedules;

o        the number of customers and the services for which they subscribe;

o        the nature and penetration  of new services that we and our competitors
         may offer;

o        regulatory changes; and

o        changes in technology.

As a result,  our actual  costs and  revenues  may vary from  expected  amounts,
possibly to a material  degree.  Such variations are likely to affect our future
capital  requirements.  Accordingly,  it is possible that we will be required to
raise  substantial  additional  capital  in  the  future  or  that  our  current
projections will prove to be inaccurate.

Our  business  could  suffer if we cannot  keep pace with the  rapidly  changing
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
markets for wireless communications
-----------------------------------

         The markets for wireless  communications  services change rapidly.  Our
success  depends,  in part, on our ability to respond and adapt to such changes.
We cannot guarantee that we will be able to compete effectively under, or adjust
our contemplated  plan of development to meet,  changing market  conditions.  We
cannot  guarantee  that we will be able to  implement  our  strategy or that our
strategy will be successful in these rapidly evolving markets.

         The markets for wireless communications services are also marked by the
continuous  introduction of new products and services and increased capacity for
services  similar to those we  provide.  Future  technological  advances  in the

                                      -8-

<PAGE>

wireless  communications industry may result in the availability of new products
or  services.  Advances  may increase  the  efficiency  of existing  products or
services.  If a technology  becomes  available  that is more  cost-effective  or
creates a  superior  product,  we may be unable to  access  such  technology  or
finance the necessary substantial capital expenditures that may be required. Our
technology may be rendered less profitable or less viable by existing,  proposed
or as yet undeveloped  technologies.  We cannot  guarantee that we will have the
financial and other resources available to compete effectively against companies
possessing  such  technologies.  We are  unable  to  predict  which  of the many
possible future products and services will meet evolving industry  standards and
consumer  demands.  We cannot guarantee that we can adapt to such  technological
changes or offer such  products or services on a timely  basis to  establish  or
maintain a competitive position.

Our wireless business depends on market acceptance
--------------------------------------------------

         The  success of our  wireless  communications  business is subject to a
number of business, economic,  regulatory and competitive factors, many of which
are beyond our control, including the extent to which prospective customers will
purchase our services.  The vitality of our business  depends on the  successful
implementation  of our growth  strategy,  which, in turn,  depends,  among other
things,   on  our  expectation  that  demand  for  our  services  will  increase
significantly in the markets we serve. We have not yet  commercially  introduced
some of our  services  and we cannot  guarantee  that any of them  will  achieve
market  acceptance  or generate  operating  cash flow.  If we cannot gain market
acceptance  for current or planned  products and services then our business will
be harmed.

         Based upon our expectations as to the customer demand for our services,
we have made, and will continue to make, significant capital investments.  Based
on similar  expectations,  our subsidiaries  have entered into operating leases,
equipment  supply  contracts  and service  arrangements,  and are  attempting to
secure  financing  of future  equipment  purchases.  Accordingly,  any  material
miscalculation  with respect to our  operating  strategy or business  plan would
harm our business.

Our future success depends on third party distribution relationships
--------------------------------------------------------------------

         A  key  element  of  our  strategy  is to  develop  and  capitalize  on
distribution  relationships  with leading  companies  who can provide  access to
significant numbers of potential  customers in our target markets.  For example,
we have reseller  agreements  with SkyTel,  Metrocall and TSR Wireless,  leading
national paging companies,  and we have recently signed distribution  agreements
with Internet Service  Providers,  such as GoAmerica.  We also have an important
marketing and  distribution  agreement with Critical Path, an email  outsourcer,
and we recently announced strategic alliances with IBM and Computer  Associates,
under which we will jointly  develop and market wireless  enterprise-wide  email
and other e-business solutions to corporate customers. Because we are relying on
these distribution partners to enable us to acquire subscribers,  our success in
penetrating our targeted markets will depend,  to a large extent, on the efforts
of  these  distribution  partners,  as well  as  future  distribution  partners.
SkyTel's  commencement of its promotional efforts for our eLink service offering
was delayed by several  months from our  original  announced  launch  date.  The
rollout of sales efforts by our other distribution  partners may also be subject
to delays,  some of which may be outside of our control.  Our inability to fully
capitalize on our third party  distribution  agreements,  the  termination of or
failure to renew any of these agreements, or our inability to enter into similar
distribution relationships with other leading companies could significantly harm
our results and prospects.


                                      -9-

<PAGE>

We depend upon our  suppliers  and have sole and  limited  sources of supply for
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
certain products and services
-----------------------------

         We depend on independent  vendors to develop and  manufacture  wireless
communications  devices for our networks,  which are significant elements of our
business plan because most of our services require such devices.  Certain of our
important service offering initiatives are dependent on the timely delivery of a
sufficient  quantity of user devices,  including the palm-sized device used with
our eLink wireless email service,  which is  manufactured by Research in Motion,
and MobileMAX2,  the second  generation  terminal to be used with our multi-mode
messaging service,  which is manufactured by SCI Systems,  Inc. as subcontractor
to Vistar Telecommunications Inc. These suppliers do not sell such devices to us
on an exclusive basis. We carry a limited  inventory of certain of these devices
and generally have no guaranteed supply arrangements.  Some of our suppliers and
vendors are relatively small companies and have limited resources and production
capacity.  In addition,  some of our  sole-source  suppliers  themselves rely on
sole- or  limited-sources  of supply for  components  included in their devices.
Failure of our suppliers to meet increasing  demand for our services may prevent
them from  continuing to supply  components  and devices in the  quantities  and
quality,  and at the times required by us, or at all. In addition,  from time to
time,  we have  experienced  interruptions  and/or  delays of supply.  We cannot
guarantee  that we will not  experience  further  interruptions  or  delays.  In
addition,  we have short-term  contracts with the majority of our suppliers.  We
cannot  guarantee that our suppliers will continue to provide  products to us at
attractive prices, or at all, or that we will be able to obtain such products in
the future from these or other providers on the scale and within the time frames
we require. Some or all of our suppliers could enter into exclusive arrangements
with our  competitors,  or cease selling these  components to us at commercially
reasonable  prices,  or at all.  Research in Motion,  which is our current  sole
supplier of devices for our eLink wireless email service, also markets and sells
BlackBerry,  our  primary  competitor  in the  two-way  wireless  email  market.
However,  we recently signed an agreement with Research in Motion  permitting us
to market the BlackBerry service in the United States for use on our network. If
we fail  to  obtain  products  on a  timely  basis  at an  affordable  cost,  or
experience any significant  delays or interruptions of supply, our business will
be harmed.

         Part of our growth is predicated on our suppliers  reducing the cost of
wireless  communications  devices approved and available for use on our network.
We believe that reductions in the cost of wireless  communications  devices will
result in increased  sales of devices,  additional  subscribers for our services
and a corresponding  increase in our service revenues. If we fail to obtain such
cost reductions on a timely basis, or experience any significant  delays of such
reductions, our revenues could be diminished.

                                      -10-


<PAGE>

We may be unable to achieve our operating and financial objectives if we cannot
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
manage our growth effectively
-----------------------------

         We may experience  periods of rapid expansion in our continuing efforts
to respond to changing market  conditions.  We will need to maintain and improve
our operating and financial  systems and expand,  train and manage our employees
in order to manage growth  effectively  in the complex  environment  in which we
operate. We must expand the capacity of our sales, distribution and installation
networks  in order to  achieve  continued  growth  in our  existing  and  future
markets. There may also be additional demands on our customer support, sales and
marketing  resources  as we grow our  business.  We will  also  need to  quickly
develop,  test, and incorporate new technology,  designs,  software, and systems
into existing  products and services,  as well as new services and applications,
in order to respond to customer demand and market  conditions.  Our inability to
develop  and  incorporate  new  technology  quickly  could  harm our  ability to
introduce new services.  For example,  delivery of the MobileMAX2  terminals was
delayed from its original  target  delivery  date, due primarily to the need for
software enhancements. If we fail to manage our growth effectively,  there could
be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations.

We may be unable to achieve our business and  financial  objectives  because the
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
wireless communications industry is highly competitive
------------------------------------------------------

         The  wireless  communications  industry  is highly  competitive  and is
characterized by frequent technological innovation.  The industry includes major
domestic and international companies,  many of which have financial,  technical,
marketing,  sales,  distribution and other resources  substantially greater than
ours and which  provide,  or plan to provide,  a wider range of services than we
will provide.  Our products and services compete with a number of communications
services,  including  existing  satellite  services,  terrestrial  air-to-ground
services,  and terrestrial  land-mobile and fixed services, and may compete with
new  technologies  in the future.  In addition,  the FCC has recently  allocated
large amounts of additional  spectrum for communications  uses or potential uses
that could compete with us. In November 1999 the FCC granted two applications to
use a Canadian  competitor's  system to provide mobile messaging services in the
United  States.  This  represents  the  first  instance  in  which  the  FCC has
authorized  competitors to provide  satellite-based  mobile messaging service in
the United States.  The U.S. Court of Appeals affirmed the FCC's decision and we
are seeking a rehearing.  Additional  assignments  of spectrum for such uses may
occur in the future and could  make it easier for new  competitors  to enter the
market. In addition,  increased competition has resulted in downward pressure on
pricing for certain of our products and services.

Our wireless business depends on proprietary information
--------------------------------------------------------

         Our wireless  communications  business depends on technical  knowledge,
and we believe that our future success is based, in part, on our ability to keep
up with new technological  developments and incorporate them in our products and
services.  We own or  have  the  right  to use  certain  of our  work  products,
inventions,  designs, software, systems and similar know-how. We must diligently
protect  that  information,  and  while  we have  taken  steps to  protect  such
information,  we cannot  guarantee that the information will not be disclosed to


                                      -11-

<PAGE>
others  or that  others  will not  independently  develop  similar  information,
systems and  know-how.  We also rely on some  technologies  licensed  from third
parties.  We cannot be sure that these  licenses will remain  available to us on
commercially  reasonable  terms or at all. The loss of such  technologies  could
require us to obtain  substitute  technology  of lower  quality  or  performance
standards or at a greater cost, which could harm our business.

Our customers are highly concentrated and our business could suffer if we lost
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
key customers
-------------

         Five customers (including IBM) accounted for an aggregate of 33% of our
service  revenue  for the year  ended  December  31,  1999,  and four  customers
accounted  for 32% of our service  revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2000.
The  loss  of one or  more of  these  customers,  or any  event,  occurrence  or
development  which adversely  affects our relationship with one or more of these
customers, could harm our business.

Our business  could suffer if we do not meet the required  service  levels under
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
our large customer contracts
----------------------------

         Many of our large customer  contracts  include  significant  warranties
related  to  the  performance  of  our  network.   In  most  cases,  if  network
availability  drops  below  a  specified  percentage  we  could  be  subject  to
penalties, which may be substantial.

Our future  success  will  depend  on  our  ability to obtain sufficient network
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
capacity
--------

         If we are successful in penetrating  our targeted  markets for wireless
email and  telemetry,  we will need, in the future,  to enhance our  terrestrial
network in order to have sufficient  capacity to meet customer demand.  This may
require that we acquire additional frequency spectrum for our network, which may
not be available to us on a timely basis and at a commercially  reasonable cost,
or at all.  Acquisition  of more spectrum could require  substantial  additional
resources,  which we may not have available when needed. In addition to spectrum
acquisition,  expansion of our  terrestrial  network  will  require  substantial
financial,  operational and management  resources.  We may not be able to expand
our network to meet additional demand or customer requirements on a timely basis
and at a commercially reasonable cost, or at all.

Our  inability to obtain  access to tower and building  roof rights on favorable
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
terms could slow the expansion of our terrestrial network
---------------------------------------------------------

         As we seek to expand our terrestrial  network, we will need to identify
and obtain access to buildings and towers to install  additional  base stations,
which will require us to secure tower and roof and other building access rights.
We may also need to  obtain  local  zoning,  construction,  franchises  or other
governmental  permits.  Obtaining  such  permits  and  necessary  consents,  and
entering into leases with landlords or property owners on acceptable  terms, may
prove to be time  consuming  and/or  difficult.  We may not be able to  identify
suitable  locations,  or obtain necessary permits or enter into acceptable lease


                                      -12-


<PAGE>

agreements on a timely basis or at a  commercially  reasonable  cost, or at all.
These  factors  could  limit our  ability to expand our  terrestrial  network as
quickly as we might desire,  which could,  in turn,  harm our future results and
prospects.

Our competitive position may be harmed if our wireless terrestrial network
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
technology is licensed to others
--------------------------------

         The terrestrial network, and certain of its competitive strengths, such
as  deep  in-building  penetration,  is  based  upon a  single  frequency  reuse
technology.  Motorola  holds  the  patent  for  this  technology  and we  hold a
non-exclusive license to use this technology. We also rely on support agreements
with  Motorola  for  support  of  the  operations  of  certain  portions  of the
terrestrial  network.  However,  Motorola could enter into arrangements with our
competitors  and it is possible that such  agreements  could harm our ability to
compete.

There are risks associated with satellite technology
----------------------------------------------------

         We have an  agreement  with TMI  Communications  and  Company,  Limited
Partnership,  a  Canadian  mobile  satellite  owner and  operator,  for  backup,
restoral  and  additional  capacity  if our  MSAT-2  satellite  fails or we need
additional capacity. TMI owns and operates a satellite called MSAT-1. In return,
we have  agreed  to  provide  TMI with  similar  backup  service  on our  MSAT-2
satellite.  Each of the MSAT-1 and MSAT-2 satellites has in the past experienced
some  malfunctions.  Recent MSAT-2  malfunctions have involved either components
backed  up by  spare  parts  or  did  not  have a  material  impact  on  current
operations.   However,   either  or  both  satellites  could  experience  future
malfunctions at any time,  which could damage our ability to serve our customers
and harm our reputation in the marketplace.

         MSAT-2  has an  expected  end of  service  date  of  2006,  subject  to
potential  malfunctions  and other  factors.  For  example,  random  failure  of
satellite  components  could  result in damage to or loss of MSAT-2.  It is also
possible  that  electromagnetic  storms or  collisions  with other objects could
damage the satellite,  although such  occurrences are rare.  Although the actual
end of service  date of the  satellite  may exceed its  expected  end of service
date, we cannot guarantee that the expected end of service date of the satellite
will be achieved or exceeded.  Although we have in-orbit insurance for a failure
of MSAT-2,  it is unlikely that any recovery  under such  insurance  would fully
compensate us for losses we would sustain from such a failure. In addition,  the
in-orbit  insurance  policy is subject  to annual or  biannual  renewal,  and we
cannot  guarantee that insurance will remain available for coverage of MSAT-2 on
favorable terms or at commercially reasonable rates.

Our disaster recovery system for the satellite network ground segment is limited
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         Presently,  our disaster recovery systems focus on internal  redundancy
and diverse  routing  within each of the  facilities  operated by or for us. For
example,  the terrestrial network has access to a remote  communications  backup
complex  that would  enable us to continue to provide  our  terrestrial  network
services  in the event of a natural  disaster  affecting  one  geographic  site.


                                      -13-

<PAGE>

However,  we do not currently  have access to a remote backup  satellite  ground
communications  facility  that would  enable us to  continue  to provide  mobile
satellite  communications  services  for  customers  in the  event of a  natural
disaster or other occurrence that rendered the system unavailable.  Our business
is subject to the risk that such a disaster or other  occurrence could hinder or
prevent  us from  continuing  to  provide  some  services  to some or all of our
customers.

Our wireless business is subject to domestic and international  regulation which
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
could impose significant costs or otherwise harm our business
-------------------------------------------------------------

         The ownership and operations of our wireless  communication systems are
subject to  significant  regulation  by the FCC under  authority  granted by the
Communications  Act of 1934,  as amended,  and related  federal  laws. We cannot
guarantee that the rules and regulations of the FCC will continue to support our
operations as we presently  conduct them and plan to conduct them in the future.
A number of our licenses are subject to renewal by the FCC.  Also, our satellite
operations are subject to international frequency  coordination,  which requires
us to negotiate  access to spectrum  with other  nearby  satellite  systems.  We
cannot  guarantee  that all  existing  licenses  will be renewed  and  requisite
frequencies  coordinated.  Current  FCC  regulations  also  generally  limit the
ownership and control of our company by citizens or entities of certain  foreign
countries to no more than 25%,  which could limit your  opportunity to receive a
takeover  premium  for your shares of common  stock.  In  addition,  despite our
efforts  to  monitor  our  foreign  ownership,  there can be no  assurance  that
non-U.S.  persons or entities will not own in the aggregate more than 25% of our
common stock. If this limit is exceeded,  the FCC could potentially take a range
of actions which could harm our business.

         In addition,  the FCC's grant in November 1999 of domestic authority to
two competitors to use a Canadian system to provide mobile messaging  service in
the United  States may increase the demand by these  systems for spectrum in the
international  coordination  process and restrain our ability to coordinate  our
spectrum  access.  The  FCC is  currently  considering  applications  to use the
Inmarsat  satellite  system to provide  mobile  messaging  service in the United
States. The grant of any of these applications also may further adversely impact
our ability to coordinate our spectrum access.

XM Radio's business  involves  significant  risks and these risks may impair the
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
value of our investment in XM Radio
-----------------------------------

         In  addition  to our  core  wireless  business,  we have a  significant
investment in XM Radio, a development stage company. There are significant risks
associated  with our  investment in XM Radio.  XM Radio is a  development  stage
company with no revenues and significant future funding requirements. XM Radio's
business is subject to a number of significant  risks and  uncertainties.  These
risks and  uncertainties may impair the value of our investment in XM Radio. The
value of our  investment  in XM Radio  represents a  significant  portion of our
total  assets,  and such value  fluctuates  with the market  price of XM Radio's
stock.


                                      -14-

<PAGE>


A small  number of  principal  stockholders  own over 49% of our stock and their
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
interests may conflict with yours as a stockholder
--------------------------------------------------

         Our principal  stockholders  are Hughes  Electronics,  Motorola,  Baron
Capital,  Inc., AT&T Wireless and XM Ventures.  These stockholders  collectively
hold in aggregate  approximately  49.5% of our common  stock on a fully  diluted
basis.  We have  entered  into  material  contracts  and  transactions  with our
principal  stockholders  and their  affiliates and we may enter into  additional
contracts  in the future.  These  contracts  include the  guarantee  of our debt
obligations.   Certain  of  these  stockholders  have  other  interests  in  the
communications  industry that may conflict with our interests.  Certain of these
stockholders, or their affiliates, have contracts or other relationships with XM
Radio,  which has a different  business plan than ours.  For example,  Hughes is
constructing XM Radio's satellites,  and General Motors, which owns Hughes, owns
a  significant  equity  stake  in XM  Radio  and has  entered  into a  long-term
distribution agreement with XM Radio. DIRECTV, a division of Hughes, also owns a
significant  equity  stake  in XM  Radio  and has  entered  into an  operational
assistance  agreement  with XM Radio.  It is possible  that these  stockholders'
interests in XM Radio could conflict with their interests in Motient,  and, as a
result, these stockholders could take actions that might not be in our interests
or your interests as a stockholder.  Also,  there can be no assurance that these
stockholders  will  continue to retain their current  ownership  position in our
company.

Our business would be harmed if we cannot attract and retain our key personnel
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         We  are  dependent  on  the  efforts  of  a  group  of  employees  with
specialized  technical and business knowledge  regarding our systems. If we lose
the services of one or more of these  individuals it could harm our business and
our future  prospects.  Our future  success  will also  depend on our ability to
attract and retain  additional  management and technical  personnel  required in
connection with the growth and development of our business. If we fail to retain
or attract such key personnel our business would suffer.  We do not maintain key
man life insurance on any of our officers or employees.

Our charter and bylaws contain  anti-takeover  provisions  that could  adversely
affect the price of our common stock

         Our certificate of  incorporation  and bylaws and the Delaware  General
Corporation Law contain provisions that may have the following effects:

o       discouraging, delaying or making more difficult a change in control; and

o       preventing the removal of incumbent directors.


         The existence of these  provisions may  negatively  impact the price of
our common stock and may  discourage  third-party  bids.  These  provisions  may
reduce any premiums paid to stockholders for their common stock. Furthermore, we
are  subject to Section  203 of the  Delaware  General  Corporation  Law,  which
governs business  combinations  with interested  stockholders and could have the
effect of delaying or preventing a change in control.

         Our certificate of incorporation  also allows our board of directors to
issue up to 200,000 shares of preferred stock and to fix the rights,  privileges
and  preferences  of such  shares  without  any  further  vote or  action by the
stockholders. If this preferred stock is issued in the future, the rights of the
holders may adversely affect the rights of the holders of common stock. While we
have no present  intention to issue shares of preferred stock, any such issuance
could be used to discourage, delay or make more difficult a change in control.

                                      -15-

<PAGE>

We do not intend to pay dividends
---------------------------------

         We have not  declared or paid any  dividends  on our common stock since
our date of  inception.  We intend to retain any  earnings to support the growth
and  development  of our  business  and we have no present  intention  of paying
dividends in the foreseeable  future. In addition,  our ability to pay dividends
is restricted  by agreements we have made with several banks in connection  with
our loans and credit facility arrangements.

The price of our common stock is volatile
-----------------------------------------

         Historically, the market prices for securities of emerging companies in
the telecommunications  industry have been highly volatile. Future announcements
concerning our business or the business of our competitors, including results of
technological  innovations,  new commercial products, or government  regulations
may have a  significant  impact on the  market  price of our common  stock.  Our
common stock has been thinly  traded since our initial  public  offering and its
price has been highly volatile in recent periods.

Future sales of our stock could adversely affect its price
----------------------------------------------------------

         Future  sales  of  substantial  amounts  of our  common  stock,  or the
perception that such sales may occur,  could  adversely  affect the value of our
common  stock and could  impair our ability to raise  additional  capital in the
future  through  the sale of  equity  securities.  As of June 30,  2000,  we had
49,506,308 shares of common stock  outstanding.  Of these shares,  approximately
33.2  million  shares  (including  5,322,600  shares  owned by Baron) are freely
tradable in the open market without  further  registration  under the Securities
Act. Also, all of the 2,470,532 shares owned by Motorola are registered pursuant
to an effective shelf  registration  statement,  and all of the 4,094,244 shares
owned by XM Ventures are registered  pursuant to an effective shelf registration
statement.  In addition,  we have provided certain  registration rights to other
stockholders  and  owners of  warrants  to  purchase  our  common  stock.  These
registration  rights cover 6,666,622 shares of stock and warrants to purchase an
aggregate of 5,823,455 additional shares. We also have approximately 4.8 million
shares of common stock  reserved for issuance  under employee and director stock
option plans and other employee benefit plans, all of which shares, when issued,
are registered for resale.


                                      -16-

<PAGE>


        RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
        ----------------------------------------------------------------

         The following  table sets forth our ratio of earnings to combined fixed
charges and  preferred  stock  dividends on a  historical  basis for the periods
indicated. For purposes of this calculation, "earnings" consist of income (loss)
before  income taxes and fixed  charges.  "Fixed  charges"  consist of interest,
amortization of debt issuance costs, preferred stock dividends and the component
of rental expense  believed by management to be  representative  of the interest
factor on those amounts.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                       ------------------------
                                                                                                                Three Months
                                                                                                                   Ended
                                              1995          1996           1997         1998         1999      March 31, 2000
                                              ----          ----           ----         ----         ----      --------------
<S>                                          <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges(1)...      ---            ---           ---           ---          ---           ---
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and
  Preferred Stock Dividends (2).........      ---            ---           ---           ---          ---           ---
Coverage Deficiency.....................     $(71,601)    $(134,638)    $(120,727)   $(160,025)   $(328,230)     $(3,994)
</TABLE>
------------------------

(1)   The ratio of earnings to fixed  charges is computed by dividing net income
      (loss)  before  income  taxes and  extraordinary  items and fixed  charges
      (excluding interest capitalized during the period), by fixed charges.

(2)   The ratio of earnings to fixed  charges and preferred  stock  dividends is
      computed  by  dividing  net  income   (loss)   before   income  taxes  and
      extraordinary  items and fixed  charges  (excluding  interest  capitalized
      during  the  period),  by  fixed  charges  and  preferred  stock  dividend
      requirements.  The preferred  stock  dividend  requirements  represent the
      pretax  earnings  which  would have been  required  to cover the  dividend
      requirements  on any  preferred  stock  outstanding.  We did not  have any
      preferred  stock  outstanding  during  the  periods  presented  above  and
      accordingly  there were no preferred  stock dividend  requirements  during
      these periods.  Although we have not issued any preferred stock during the
      periods  presented,  XM Radio issued 2.0 million  shares of 8.25% Series B
      convertible  redeemable  preferred  stock in the  quarter  ended March 31,
      2000.

                                 USE OF PROCEEDS
                                 ---------------

         We will use the net proceeds  received from the sale of the  securities
to fund expansion of our wireless  business,  principally in new markets such as
wireless  internet  email and telemetry  applications,  to pay down debt and for
working capital and general corporate purposes, at the discretion of management.

                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
                              --------------------

         We may sell the securities being offered by this prospectus  separately
or together:

                                      -17-


<PAGE>
o        through agents;

o        to or through underwriters;

o        through dealers;

o        through a block  trade in which the broker or dealer engaged  to handle
         the block  trade will  attempt  to sell the  securities  as agent,  but
         may   position  and  resell a  portion  of  the  block  as principal to
         facilitate the transaction;

o        directly  to  purchasers,  through a specific bidding, auction or other
         process; or

o        through a combination of any of these methods of sale.

         We may effect the  distribution  of the securities from time to time in
one or more  transactions at a fixed price or prices,  which may be changed from
time to time:

o        at market prices prevailing at the times of sale;

o        at prices related to such prevailing market prices; or

o        at negotiated prices.

         We will describe the method of  distribution  of the  securities in the
prospectus supplement.

         Agents  designated  by us from  time  to time  may  solicit  offers  to
purchase the securities. We will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of
the  securities and set forth any  commissions  payable by us to an agent in the
prospectus supplement.  Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement,
any  agent  will  be  acting  on a best  efforts  basis  for the  period  of its
appointment. Any agent may be deemed to be an "underwriter" of the securities as
that term is defined in the Securities Act.

         If we use an underwriter or underwriters in the sale of securities,  we
will execute an  underwriting  agreement with the underwriter or underwriters at
the time we reach an  agreement  for sale.  We will set forth in the  prospectus
supplement the names of the specific  managing  underwriter or underwriters,  as
well as any other  underwriters,  and the terms of the  transactions,  including
compensation of the  underwriters and dealers.  This  compensation may be in the
form  of  discounts,   concessions  or  commissions.   Underwriters  and  others
participating  in any offering of  securities  may engage in  transactions  that
stabilize,  maintain or otherwise  affect the price of the  securities.  We will
describe any of these activities in the prospectus supplement.

         If a dealer is used in the sale of the securities, we or an underwriter
will sell securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then resell the
securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by the dealer at the
time of resale. The prospectus  supplement will set forth the name of the dealer
and the terms of the transactions.


                                      -18-


<PAGE>
         We may directly  solicit offers to purchase the securities,  and we may
sell directly to institutional  investors or others. These persons may be deemed
to be underwriters  within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any
resale of the securities.  The prospectus  supplement will describe the terms of
any direct sales, including the terms of any bidding or auction process.

         Agreements  we enter into with  agents,  underwriters  and  dealers may
entitle them to indemnification by us against specified  liabilities,  including
liabilities  under the Securities Act, or to contribution by us to payments they
may be  required  to  make in  respect  of  these  liabilities.  The  prospectus
supplement  will  describe  the  terms  and  conditions  of  indemnification  or
contribution.

         No securities may be sold by us under this prospectus without delivery,
in  paper  format,  in  electronic  format  on the  internet,  or  both,  of the
applicable  prospectus  supplement  describing  the  method  and  terms  of  the
offering.

                          DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
                          ----------------------------

         Our authorized  capital stock consists of 150,000,000  shares of common
stock,  par value $0.01 per share and 200,000  shares of  preferred  stock,  par
value $0.01 per share.

Common Stock
------------

         On June  30,  2000,  there  were  49,506,308  shares  of  common  stock
outstanding, held of record by 320 stockholders.

         The  holders of common  stock are  entitled  to one vote for each share
held  of  record  on  all  matters  submitted  to a vote  of  the  stockholders.
Cumulative  voting applies to the election of directors.  Subject to preferences
that may be  applicable  to any  then-outstanding  preferred  stock,  holders of
common stock are entitled to receive  ratably such  dividends as may be declared
by the Board of  Directors  out of legally  available  funds.  In the event of a
liquidation,  dissolution  or winding-up  of the Company,  holders of the common
stock are  entitled to share  ratably in all assets  remaining  after we pay our
liabilities and the  liquidation  preference of any  then-outstanding  preferred
stock. With two exceptions, there are no preemptive, subscription, redemption or
sinking fund provisions  applicable to the common stock. The two exceptions are:
(1) provisions of the preferred  stock  described below and (2) provisions of an
existing  stockholders  agreement as to  redemption  if alien  ownership  issues
arise.  All  outstanding  shares of common  stock are,  and all shares of common
stock to be outstanding upon completion of the offering will be,  fully-paid and
nonassessable.

         Our Certificate of  Incorporation  requires  cumulative  voting for the
election of directors.  Under cumulative voting, each stockholder is entitled to
cast as many  votes in the  election  as equals  the  product  of the  number of
directors to be elected and the aggregate  number of shares of common stock held
by such  stockholder.  The  stockholder  may cumulate such votes for one or more
directors as the stockholder  determines.  Under cumulative  voting,  assuming 6
directors  were to be  elected  and  49,506,308  shares  of  common  stock  were
outstanding,  a  stockholder  would  have to hold at least  7,072,330  shares of
common stock to be certain of electing one director.

                                      -19-


Preferred Stock
---------------

         We may  issue  preferred  stock in one or more  series  and may fix the
designations,  preferences,  powers and  relative,  participating,  optional and
other rights,  qualifications,  limitations  and  restrictions  on the preferred
stock, including the dividend rate, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption
price  and  liquidation  preference,  and may fix the  number  of  shares  to be
included in any such series.  Any preferred  stock may rank senior to the common
stock for the payment of dividends or amounts upon  liquidation,  dissolution or
winding-up,  or both. In addition,  any shares of preferred stock may have class
or  series  voting  rights.  We do  not  have  any  shares  of  preferred  stock
outstanding.  Issuances of preferred stock,  while providing us with flexibility
in connection with general corporate purposes,  may, among other things, have an
adverse effect on the rights of holders of common stock. A prospectus supplement
will describe the terms of any preferred  stock that we issue.  Preferred  stock
may be convertible  into or  exchangeable  or redeemable for our common stock or
other  preferred  stock.  These  terms  will  include  provisions  as to whether
conversion,  exchange or redemption is mandatory, at the option of the holder or
at our option. These provisions may allow or require the number of shares of our
common  stock or other  securities  to be received  by the holders of  preferred
stock to be adjusted.

         Our  Board  of  Directors,  without  stockholder  approval,  can  issue
preferred stock with voting and conversion  rights that could  adversely  affect
the voting power and other rights of holders of common  stock.  Preferred  stock
could thus be issued quickly with terms  calculated to delay or prevent a change
of control of the Company or to make the removal of management  more  difficult.
In certain  circumstances,  this could have the effect of decreasing  the market
price of the common stock.

Warrants
--------

         We may issue  warrants  for the  purchase of shares of the common stock
and the preferred stock.  Warrants may be issued  independently or together with
the shares of common stock and the  preferred  stock  offered by any  prospectus
supplement  to this  prospectus  and may be attached  to or  separate  from such
shares.  As of  June  30,  2000,  there  were  a  total  of  7,069,674  warrants
outstanding to purchase shares of our common stock.  Of these  warrants,  63,714
have a nominal  exercise  price,  1,207,991 have an exercise price of $12.28 per
share,  and the  remainder  have an exercise  price of $6.25 per share.  Further
terms of the warrants will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

         The  applicable  prospectus  supplement  will describe the terms of the
warrants  in respect of which this  prospectus  is being  delivered,  including,
where applicable, the following:

o        the title of such warrants;
o        the aggregate number of such warrants;

                                      -20-

<PAGE>


o        the price or prices at which such warrants will be issued;
o        the  designation,  terms and  number  of  shares  of  common  stock and
         preferred  stock  purchasable  upon exercise of  such  warrants;
o        the  designation and terms of the shares of commons stock and preferred
         stock  with  which  such  warrants  are  issued  and the number of such
         warrants issued with such shares;
o        the date  on and after which such warrants and the related common stock
         and  preferred  stock  will be separately  transferable,  including any
         limitations on ownership and transfer of such warrants;
o        the  price at which  each  share of  common  stock or  preferred  stock
         purchasable upon exercise of such warrants may be purchased;
o        the  date on which the right to exercise such warrants  shall  commence
         and the date on which such right shall expire;
o        the  minimum or maximum  amount of such warrants which may be exercised
         at any one time;
o        information with respect to book-entry procedures, if any;
o        a discussion of certain federal income tax consequences; and
o        any  other terms of such  warrants,  including  terms,  procedures  and
         limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such warrants.

Certain Provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws
-----------------------------------------------------------------

         Certificate of  Incorporation
         --------------  -------------

         As currently in effect,  our  Certificate of  Incorporation  may not be
amended,  modified,  rendered  ineffective or repealed except by the vote of the
holders of a majority  of the issued  and  outstanding  shares of common  stock.
Except as required by law, other classes or series of stock will not be entitled
to vote on any such amendment,  modification or other change,  unless and to the
extent  required  by  any  applicable  law.  Our  Certificate  of  Incorporation
currently  requires the  affirmative  vote of the holders of  two-thirds  of the
issued and outstanding shares of common stock to approve:

o        our merger or consolidation with or into any other entity;

o        our dissolution or liquidation; or

o        the sale, exchange or lease of all or substantially all of our property
         and assets.

         Our Certificate of Incorporation also requires that at each election of
directors by the holders of common stock, all directors must be elected.

         Bylaws
         ------

         As currently in effect, our Bylaws require that there be 6 directors on
our  Board of  Directors.  The  Bylaws  provide  that  special  meetings  of the
stockholders generally may be called by the president and shall be called at the
request of the holders of at least one-third of the common stock then issued and


                                      -21-

<PAGE>

outstanding.  A special  meeting  solely to elect all  directors  of the Company
shall be called at the  written  request of a holder or  holders  of  sufficient
shares of common stock to then elect at least one director  under  principles of
cumulative  voting.  Our Bylaws  also  provide  that  except as  provided in our
Certificate of  Incorporation or Bylaws,  the Bylaws may be altered,  amended or
repealed or new Bylaws may be adopted only upon the vote of either:

o      three-fourths of the members of the Board of Directors then in office; or

o      the holders of two-thirds  of the issued and outstanding shares of common
       stock.


                 INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
                 -----------------------------------------------

         The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the  information  that we
file with the SEC, which means that we can disclose important information to you
by referring you to those documents.  The information  incorporated by reference
is considered to part of this  prospectus.  These documents may include periodic
reports, such as Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and
Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as Proxy Statements.  Any documents that we
subsequently  file  with the SEC  will  automatically  update  and  replace  the
information  previously filed with the SEC. Thus, for example,  in the case of a
conflict or inconsistency  between  information set forth in this prospectus and
information  incorporated by reference into this prospectus,  you should rely on
the information contained in the document that was filed later.

         This prospectus  incorporates  by reference the documents  listed below
that we previously have filed with the SEC and any additional  documents that we
may file with the SEC (File No.  0-23044) under  Sections  13(a),  13(c),  14 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 between the date of this prospectus
and the termination of the offering of the securities.  These documents  contain
important information about us.

        1.     Our Annual  Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December  31,
               1999, filed with the Commission on March 30, 2000;

        2.     Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
               2000, filed with the commission on May 12, 2000;

        3.     Our  current  report on Form 8-K dated  April 24,  2000 and filed
               with the Commission on April 24, 2000;

        4.     Our current report on Form 8-K dated June 29, 2000 and filed with
               the Commission on June 29, 2000; and

        5.     The description of our common stock and preferred stock contained
               in the our Registration  Statement on Form 8-A, dated December 9,
               1993, and on Form 8-A/A,  dated December 13, 1993,  each as filed
               under the Exchange  Act,  including any amendment or report filed
               for the purpose of updating such description.


                                      -22-


         You can obtain a copy of any or all of the  documents  incorporated  by
reference in this prospectus  (other than an exhibit to a documents  unless that
exhibit is  specifically  incorporated by reference into that document) from the
SEC on its web site at  http://www.sec.gov.  You also can obtain these documents
from us without charge by visiting our internet web site at  www.motient.com  or
by  requesting  them in  writing,  by email  or by  telephone  at the  following
address:

                                   Randy Segal
                         Senior Vice President, General
                              Counsel and Secretary
                               Motient Corporation
                              10802 Parkridge Blvd.
                           Reston, Virginia 20191-5416
                                 (703) 758-6130


                       WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
                       -----------------------------------

         We  have  filed  with  the  SEC  a  registration  statement  under  the
Securities Act of 1933 that registers the distribution of the securities offered
under this  prospectus.  The  registration  statement,  including  the  attached
exhibits and schedules and the information  incorporated by reference,  contains
additional  relevant  information  about us and the  securities.  The  rules and
regulations of the SEC allow us to omit from this prospectus certain information
included in the registration statement.

         In  addition,  we file annual,  quarterly  and special  reports,  proxy
statements  and  other  information  with  the SEC.  You may read and copy  this
information  and the  registration  statement at the following  locations of the
SEC:

        o      Public  Reference  Room,  450  Fifth  Street,  N.W.,  Room  1024,
               Washington, D.C. 20459;

        o      Chicago  Regional  Office,  Citicorp  Center,  500  West  Madison
               Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661; and

        o      New York Regional Office,  Seven World Trade Center,  13th Floor,
               New York, New York 10048.

         You may  also  read and  copy  this  information  at the  SEC's  Public
Reference Room, 450 Fifth Street,  N.W., Room 1024,  Washington,  D.C. 20459, at
prescribed  rates.  You may obtain  information  on the  operation of the Public
Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.

         In addition,  the SEC  maintains  an Internet  World Wide Web site that
contains  reports,  proxy  statements  and other  information  about  issuers of
securities,  like us, who file such  material  electronically  with the SEC. The
address  of that web site is  http://www.sec.gov.  You  also  can  inspect  such
reports,  proxy statements and other  information about us at the offices of the
National  Association  of  Securities  Dealers,   Inc.,  1735  K  Street,  N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20006. Our common stock is traded on The Nasdaq National Market
under the symbol "MTNT."


                                      -23-

<PAGE>

                                     EXPERTS
                                     -------

         The  financial   statements   and  schedules  of  Motient   Corporation
incorporated  by  reference  in this  prospectus  have  been  audited  by Arthur
Andersen LLP, independent public accountants,  as set forth in their reports. In
those  reports,  that  firm  states  that with  respect  to XM  Satellite  Radio
Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Motient Corporation, its opinion is based on the
report of other independent  public  accountants.  The financial  statements and
schedules  referred  to above have been  included  herein in  reliance  upon the
authority of those firms as experts in giving said reports.

         The  consolidated  financial  statements of XM Satellite Radio Holdings
Inc. and  subsidiaries  (a development  stage company) (XM Radio) as of December
31,  1998 and 1999,  and for each of the years in the  three-year  period  ended
December 31, 1999, and for the period from December 15, 1992 (date of inception)
to December 31, 1999,  have been  incorporated by reference in the Annual Report
on Form  10-K of  Motient  Corporation  and in this  registration  statement  in
reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent  certified public accountants,
and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting  and auditing.  The
report of KPMG LLP contains an  explanatory  paragraph that states that XM Radio
has not commenced  operations  and is dependent upon  additional  debt or equity
financing,  which  raises  substantial  doubt about its ability to continue as a
going concern. The consolidated  financial statements of XM Radio do not include
any adjustments that might result from the outcome of that uncertainty.

                                      -24-
<PAGE>




                         PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION

         The  accompanying pro forma financial  information  gives effect to the
following,  as if such  transactions  had been consummated on March 31, 2000, in
the case of the Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet, and on
January 1 of each of the  periods  presented  in the case of the  Unaudited  Pro
Forma Consolidated Condensed Statement of Operations:

o   our acquisition in July 1999 of all of the then remaining outstanding shares
    of common stock of XM Radio;

o   the issuance  of 7.0 million shares of our common stock in a public offering
    in  August 1999 and the  application of the net proceeds of such offering to
    repay $59  million of indebtedness outstanding under our bank financings;

o   XM  Radio's  issuance  of 10.2  million  shares  of its  common  stock in an
    initial  public  offering in October 1999,  and  the  application of the net
    proceeds therefrom;

o   XM Radio's  issuance of 4.4 million  shares of  its common  stock in January
    2000, and XM Radio's  concurrent  issuance of  2 million shares of its 8.25%
    Series  B   convertible   redeemable  preferred  stock  due  2012,  and  the
    application of the net proceeds therefrom;

o   XM  Radio's issuance in March 2000 of 325,000 units, each unit consisting of
    $1,000  principal  amount  of  14%  Senior  Secured  Notes  due 2010 and one
    warrant  to  purchase  8.024815  shares  of Class A Common  Stock,  and  the
    application of the net proceeds therefrom;

o   our receipt of $44 million in  connection  with the R&D Agreement and  Asset
    Sale  Agreement  we  entered  into in June  2000,  as  described  in "Recent
    Developments,"   and   the   concurrent   repayment  of  $2.75   million  of
    indebtedness outstanding under our bank financings.

         The pro forma consolidated condensed financial information is presented
for  illustrative  purposes only and is not  necessarily  indicative of what our
actual  financial  position  and results of  operations  would have been had the
foregoing  transactions been consummated as of the above-referenced  dates or of
our  financial  position  or  results  of  operations  that we may report in the
future.

         The following data should be read in conjunction  with our Consolidated
Financial  Statements  and related notes and XM Radio's  Consolidated  Financial
Statements and related notes incorporated by reference herein.

                                      P-1
<PAGE>


                      Motient Corporation and Subsidiaries

            Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                             As of March 31, 2000

                                                                           Pro Forma          Motient
                                                           Motient        Adjustments        Pro Forma
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>                   <C>
      Cash and cash equivalents                               $448,631      $41,250 (1)           $489,881
      Short term investments
      Inventory                                                 36,040                              36,040
      Prepaid in-orbit insurance                                 2,045                               2,045
      Accounts receivable, net of allowance for                 17,073                              17,073
      doubtful accounts
      Restricted short-term investments                         41,038                              41,038
      Restricted short-term investments of XM Radio             58,817                              58,817
      Other current assets                                      11,910                              11,910
                                                                ------                              ------

      Total current assets                                     615,554                             656,804

PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT IN SERVICE, net                           123,915                             123,915
SYSTEM UNDER CONSTRUCTION                                      432,194                             432,194
GOODWILL & OTHER INTANGIBLES, net                               61,346                              61,346
DEFERRED CHARGES & OTHER ASSETS, net                            31,872         (86) (2)             31,786
RESTRICTED INVESTMENTS                                          35,115                              35,115
RESTRICTED INVESTMENTS OF XM RADIO                              79,599                              79,599
                                                            ----------                          ----------

      Total assets                                          $1,379,595                          $1,420,759
                                                            ==========                          ==========

</TABLE>
The  accompanying  notes  are an  integral  part  of  the  pro  forma  financial
statements.

                                      -P2-


<PAGE>

                      Motient Corporation and Subsidiaries

            Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                             As of March 31, 2000

                                                                           Pro Forma          Motient
                                                           Motient        Adjustments        Pro Forma


LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>                   <C>
      Accounts payable and accrued expenses                    $86,586                             $86,586
      Current portion of obligations under capital               4,700                               4,700
      leases
      Current portion of vendor due to related party             3,619                               3,619
      Current portion of long-term debt                          2,141                               2,141
      Other current liabilities                                  1,869                               1,869
                                                               -------                             -------

      Total current liabilities                                 98,915                              98,915


LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
      Obligations under bank financing                         120,000       (2,750) (1)           117,250
      Obligations under notes, net of discount                 327,800                             327,800
      Obligations under Senior Secured Notes of XM             259,528                             259,528
      Radio, net
      Capital lease obligations                                    846                                 846
      Fair value of assets acquired in excess of                 1,159                               1,159
      purchase price
      Vendor financing commitment due to related party           4,339                               4,339
      Other long-term liabilities                                5,087       23,174 (1)             28,261
                                                               -------                             -------

      Total long-term debt                                     718,759                             739,183

      Total liabilities                                        817,674                             838,098

MINORITY INTEREST                                              513,732                             513,732



STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY
      Preferred Stock, par value $0.01; authorized                  --                                  --
      200,000 shares; no shares issued
      Common stock, voting                                         552                                 552
      Additional paid-in capital                               919,127                             919,127


      Deferred compensation                                     (6,507)                             (6,507)
      Common stock purchase warrants                            56,243       20,826 (1)             78,421
                                                                              1,352 (2)
      Unamortized guarantee warrants                           (16,970)      (1,022)(2)            (17,992)
      Retained loss                                           (904,256)        (416)(2)           (904,672)
                                                              ---------                           ---------

      Total stockholders' equity                                48,189                              68,929

Total liabilities, stockholders' (deficit) equity,          $1,379,595                          $1,420,759
and minority interest                                       ==========                          ==========
</TABLE>

The  accompanying  notes  are an  integral  part  of  the  pro  forma  financial
statements.
                                      -P3-

<PAGE>


                      Motient Corporation and Subsidiaries

          Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Condensed Statement of Operations

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                      For  the Quarter Ended March 31, 2000
                                      -------------------------------------
                                                                XM Radio     Motient/XM    Motient/XM     Motient
                                                      XM       Pro Forma        Radio        Radio        Pro          Motient
                                                     Radio    Adjustments   Eliminations    adjusted      Forma       Pro Forma
                                      Motient (3)                                                       Adjustments
Revenues


<S>                                   <C>        <C>          <C>              <C>         <C>         <C>           <C>
      Service                         $17,152     $   --                                   $17,152                   $17,152
      Sales of equipment                5,018         --                                     5,018                     5,018
                                      -------                                              -------                   -------
      Total Revenue                    22,170         --                                    22,170                    22,170

Cost of service and operations
      Cost of service and operations   18,018         --                                    18,018                    18,018
      Cost of equipment sold            5,256         --                                     5,256                     5,256
      Sales & advertising               6,226         --                                     6,226                     6,226
      General & administrative          5,526     16,386                                    21,912                    21,912
      Depreciation & amortization       8,831        502                        (239)(9)     9,094                     9,094
                                      -------    -------                                   -------                    ------

      Operating loss                  (21,687)   (16,888)                                  (38,336)                  (38,336)

Interest & other income (expense)       1,052      4,150      1,281(5)                       6,483                     6,483

Gain on conversion of note payable
to related party                       32,854         --                                    32,854                    32,854
Unrealized gain on note payable to
related party                           3,925         --                                     3,925                     3,925
Minority interest                          --         --                       7,360(11)     7,360                     7,360
Equity in loss of XM Radio             (5,398)        --                       5,398(12)        --                        --
Interest expense                      (14,979)        (2)        --(6)                     (14,981)    (13) (14)     (14,994)
                                      --------   --------        --(7)                     --------                  --------
                                                                 --(8)

Net loss before extraordinary item    $(4,233)  $(12,740)                                  $(2,695)                  $(2,708)
                                      ========  =========                                  ========                  ========

Loss per share of common stock
before extraordinary item               $(.09)                                                                         $(.06)
Weighted-average common shares         49,094                                                                         49,094
outstanding during the period
</TABLE>

The  accompanying  notes  are an  integral  part  of  the  pro  forma  financial
statements.


<PAGE>




                      Motient Corporation and Subsidiaries

       Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Condensed Statement of Operations

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                   For  the Year Ended December 31, 1999
                                                              XM Radio      Motient/XM    Motient/XM     Motient
                                                     XM       Pro Forma       Radio         Radio       Pro Forma      Motient
                                      Motient (3)    Radio    Adjustments   Eliminations   adjusted    Adjustments    Pro Forma
                                      -----------    -----    -----------   ------------   --------    -----------    ---------

Revenues

<S>                                     <C>        <C>       <C>                           <C>          <C>           <C>
      Service                           $67,653     $   --                                  $67,653                    $67,653
      Sales of equipment                 23,418         --                                   23,418                     23,418
      Sales of equipment                 91,071         --                                   91,071                     91,071
      Total Revenue

Cost of service and operations
      Cost of service and operations     69,258         --                                   69,258                     69,258
      Cost of equipment sold             29,527        ---                                   29,527                     29,527
      Sales & advertising                23,125        ---                                   23,125                     23,125
      General & administrative           19,475     28,704                                   48,179                     48,179
      Satellite & related assets         97,419        ---                                   97,419                     97,419
      impairment
      Depreciation & amortization        54,923      1,987       396 (4)       (975) (9)     56,331                     56,331
                                        -------     ------                                  -------                     ------
      Operating loss                   (202,656)   (30,691)                                (232,768)                  (232,768)

Interest & other income (expense)         9,469      2,916     6,150 (5)     (3,842)(10)     14,693                     14,693

Unrealized loss on note
receivable from XM Radio                 (9,919)                                             (9,919)                    (9,919)
Unrealized loss on note payable
to related party                        (27,399)                                            (27,399)                   (27,399)
Minority interest                            --                              10,385 (11)     10,385                     10,385
Equity in loss of XM Radio              (25,181)                             25,181 (12)         --                        ---
Interest expense                        (63,228)    (9,121)  (24,157)(6)      6,419 (10)    (94,146)    3,910 (13)     (90,042)
                                        --------    -------                                 --------                   --------
                                                              (3,491)(7)                                  194 (14)
                                                                (568)(8)

Net loss before extraordinary item   $(318,914)   $(36,896)                               $(339,154)                 $(335,050)
                                     ==========   ========                                ==========                 ==========

Loss per share of common stock
before extraordinary item               $(8.03)                                                                         $(6.94)
Weighted-average common shares
outstanding during the period            39,704                4,472(15)                                4,083(16)       48,259



</TABLE>

The  accompanying  notes  are an  integral  part  of  the  pro  forma  financial
statements.


<PAGE>



                    Notes to Pro Forma Financial Information

     The Pro Forma Financial  Information is based on the following  assumptions
and adjustments:

(1)  Reflects  the  cash to be  received  and the  relative  fair  market  value
     allocation of the aggregate $44 million received in connection with the R&D
     Agreement and Asset Sale Agreement,  as described in "Recent Developments,"
     and the  concurrent  required  repayment  and  permanent  reduction  of our
     revolving credit facility. The allocation based on the relative fair market
     value has been  reflected  on a  preliminary  basis  based on  management's
     preliminary estimate and is subject to modification based on the results of
     an independent assessment.

(2)  Reflects  (i) the  impact of  repricing  certain  outstanding  warrants  to
     purchase our common stock in connection  with the  consummation of the June
     2000 transactions  described in "Recent  Developments,"  and (ii) the write
     off of a pro  rata  share of the  financing  fees  and  guarantee  warrants
     associated  with the  placement  of the  bank  loans,  as a  result  of the
     required repayment and permanent reduction of $2.75 million of the revolver
     loan from the  proceeds  received  from the R&D  Agreement  and Asset  Sale
     Agreement.

(3)  Reflects  the  results  of  Motient  on a stand  alone  basis  prior to our
     consolidation of XM Radio.

(4)  Reflects the additional  amortization of goodwill and other  intangibles of
     XM Radio to reflect a full year of amortization.

(5)  Reflects  interest  earned,  at 5% annually,  on the restricted  securities
     required to be  purchased  by XM Radio in  accordance  with the terms of XM
     Radio's 14% senior secured notes due 2010.

(6)  Reflects  interest  at 14% on the $325  million  of XM  Radio's  14% senior
     secured notes due 2010, net of the amount that would have been capitalized.

(7)  Reflects the  amortization,  as additional  interest  expense,  of warrants
     issued in connection with the $325 million of XM Radio's 14% senior secured
     notes due 2010, net of the amount that would have been capitalized.

(8)  Reflects the amortization,  as additional  interest  expense,  of financing
     costs  incurred in connection  with XM Radio's  issuance of $325 million of
     its 14% senior  secured  notes due 2010,  net of the amount that would have
     been capitalized.

(9)  Reflects the adjustment of goodwill and other  intangible  amortization  to
     reflect the difference in goodwill recorded by us and XM Radio.

(10) Eliminates  interest  earned by us and the related  expense  incurred by XM
     Radio on notes due from XM Radio.

(11) Reflects 65.6% minority  interest in XM Radio,  effective as of the date of
     XM Radio's  initial public offering in October 1999, in accordance with our
     equity interest.

(12) Eliminates losses previously recorded by us under the equity method.

(13) Reflects  the  elimination  of  interest  expense  on the  bank  loans  and
     amortization of related financing costs and guarantee warrants,  associated
     with the  placement of the bank loans,  as a result of the repayment of $59
     million of the outstanding  debt with the net proceeds from the August 1999
     issuance of 7.0 million shares of our common stock at $17.75 per share.

(14) Reflects  the  elimination  of  interest  expense  on the  bank  loans  and
     amortization of related financing costs and guarantee warrants,  associated
     with the placement of the bank loans, as a result of the repayment of $2.75
     million of the  outstanding  debt with the proceeds  from the R&D Agreement
     and Asset Sale Agreement entered into in June 2000.

(15) Reflects the  adjustment  for the  issuance,  in July 1999,  of 8.6 million
     shares of our common  stock for the purchase of all  remaining  outstanding
     shares of common stock of XM Radio in July 1999.

(16) Reflects the  adjustment  for the issuance,  in August 1999, of 7.0 million
     shares of our common stock in a public offering.

In  addition,  in July  2000,  XM  Radio  entered  into a  transaction  to issue
approximately 8.9 million shares of its 8.25% convertible preferred stock with a
value of approximately  $235 million.  XM Radio expects to record a $123 million
beneficial  conversion  charge that will  reduce  earnings  available  to common
shareholders as a result of this transaction.  As the closing of the transaction
is  contingent  upon  certain  regulatory  approvals  and  final  funding,  this
transaction is not reflected in these pro forma financial statements.


<PAGE>


                                      II-4

                                     Part II

                     Information Not Required in Prospectus

Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

    The following are the estimated  expenses to be incurred in connection  with
the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered.

<TABLE>

<S>                                                          <C>
        SEC registration fee...........................      $158,400
        Printing and engraving expenses................            *
        Legal fees and expenses........................            *
        Blue Sky fees and expenses.....................            *
        NASD listing and filing fees...................            *
        Accounting fees and expenses...................            *
        Transfer agent fees............................            *
        Total..........................................     $      *
</TABLE>

-------
*To be completed by amendment.

Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

    The Company's  Bylaws  provide that the Company will indemnify its directors
and officers to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. The Company may be
required to advance  litigation  expenses in the case of stockholder  derivative
actions or other actions,  against an undertaking  by the  indemnified  party to
repay such advances if it is ultimately determined that the indemnified party is
not entitled to indemnification.

    In addition,  the Company's  Certificate  of  Incorporation  provides  that,
pursuant to Delaware law, its directors shall not be liable for monetary damages
for breach of the directors'  fiduciary duty of care to the  corporation and its
stockholders.  This  provision  in the  Certificate  of  Incorporation  does not
eliminate the duty of care, and in appropriate  circumstances equitable remedies
such as injunctive or other forms of  nonmonetary  relief will remain  available
under  Delaware  law. In addition,  each director will continue to be subject to
liability for breach of the  director's  duty of loyalty to the Company for acts
or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional misconduct,  for knowing
violations  of law,  for  actions  leading to improper  personal  benefit to the
director,  and for payment of  dividends  or approval  of stock  repurchases  or
redemptions  that are unlawful  under  Delaware law. The provision also does not
affect a director's  responsibilities  under any other law,  such as the federal
securities laws.

    At  present,  there is no pending  litigation  or  proceeding  involving  an
officer or director of the Company as to which  indemnification is being sought,
nor is the Company aware of any threatened  litigation that may result in claims
for indemnification by any officer or director.


<PAGE>


Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

    (a) Exhibits

         1     The form of  equity  underwriting  agreement  will be filed as an
               exhibit  to a  Current  Report  of the  Company  on Form  8-K and
               incorporated herein by reference.

         3.1   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (as restated
               effective May 23, 2000)

         3.2   Amended and Restated  Bylaws of the Company  (effective as of May
               23, 2000)

         4.1   The form of any  certificate of  designation  with respect to any
               preferred  stock  issued   hereunder  and  the  related  form  of
               preferred  stock  certificate  will be  filed  as  exhibits  to a
               Current Report of the Company on Form 8-K and incorporated herein
               by reference.

         4.2   The form of any warrant or warrant  agreement will be filed as an
               exhibit  to a  Current  Report  of the  Company  on Form  8-K and
               incorporated herein by reference.

         5     Opinion of Randy S. Segal, Esq.

        12.1   Statement  regarding  computation  of ratio of  earnings to fixed
               charges and any preferred stock dividends.

        23.1   Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP

        23.2   Consent of KPMG LLP

        23.3   Consent of Randy S. Segal,  Esq.  (included  in Exhibit 5 to this
               registration statement).

        24     Powers of  Attorney  of  directors  and  officers  of the Company
               (included in the signature page).

Item 17. Undertakings.

     A.        The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

           (1) To file,  during  any  period in which  offers or sales are being
     made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:

                  (i) To  include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of
           the Securities Act of 1933;

                  (ii) To reflect in the  prospectus any facts or events arising
           after the effective date of the  registration  statement (or the most
           recent  post-effective  amendment thereof) which,  individually or in
           the aggregate,  represent a fundamental change in the information set
           forth in the registration  statement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,
           any  increase  or decrease  in volume of  securities  offered (if the
           total dollar value of securities  offered would not exceed that which
           was  registered)  and any  deviation  from the low or high end of the
           estimated  maximum  offering  range may be  reflected  in the form of
           prospectus filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant
           to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate,  the changes in volume and price
           represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering
           price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the
           effective registration statement;

                  (iii) To include any material  information with respect to the
           plan of  distribution  not previously  disclosed in the  Registration
           Statement  or  any  material  change  to  such   information  in  the
           Registration Statement;

           provided,  however,  that paragraphs  (A)(1)(i) and (A)(1)(ii) do not
           apply if the information  required to be included in a post-effective
           amendment by those  paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed
           with or furnished to the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission by the
           Registrant  pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the Securities
           Exchange  Act of 1934  that  are  incorporated  by  reference  in the
           registration statement.

           (2) That,  for the purpose of  determining  any  liability  under the
     Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective  amendment shall be deemed
     to be a new  registration  statement  relating  to the  securities  offered
     therein,  and the offering of such  securities at that time shall be deemed
     to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

           (3)  To  remove  from  registration  by  means  of  a  post-effective
     amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
     termination of the offering.

     B. The  undersigned  registrant  hereby  undertakes  that,  for purposes of
determining  any liability  under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's  annual  report  pursuant to section  13(a) or section 15(d) of the
Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934  (and,  where  applicable,  each  filing of an
employee  benefit  plan's  annual  report  pursuant  to  Section  15(d)  of  the
Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934)  that is  incorporated  by  reference  in the
registration  statement  shall  be  deemed  to be a new  registration  statement
relating to the securities offered therein,  and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

     C. Insofar as indemnification  for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors,  officers and controlling  persons of
the registrant pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware,
the  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation,  as  amended,  or the Amended and
Restated Bylaws of registrant,  indemnification  agreements entered into between
registrant and its officers and directors, or otherwise, the registrant has been
advised  that in the opinion of the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  such
indemnification  is  against  public  policy  as  expressed  in the  Act and is,
therefore,  unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities  (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director,  officer,  or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful  defense of any  action,  suit or  proceeding)  is  asserted  by such
director,  officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been  settled by  controlling  precedent,  submit to a court of  appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such  indemnification  by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.


<PAGE>



                                   Signatures
                                   ----------

         Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  the
Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all
of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration
statement  to be  signed  on its  behalf  by  the  undersigned,  thereunto  duly
authorized in the County of Fairfax,  Commonwealth of Virginia,  on the 24th day
of July, 2000.

                               MOTIENT CORPORATION

                                            By:      /s/ Randy S. Segal
                                                     ------------------
                                            Name:    Randy S. Segal
                                            Title:   Senior Vice President
                                                     and General Counsel

                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

         KNOW  ALL MEN BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that  each  person  whose  signature
appears  below  hereby  constitutes  and  appoints  Gary M.  Parsons,  Walter V.
Purnell, Jr. and Randy S. Segal, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent,
with full power of  substitution  and  resubstitution,  for him and in his name,
place,  and stead, in any and all capacities,  to sign any and all amendments to
this registration  statement,  and to file the same, with exhibits thereto,  and
other  documents  in  connection  therewith  with the  Securities  and  Exchange
Commission,  granting  unto  said  attorney-in-fact  and  agent  full  power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary
to be done,  as fully to all  intents  and  purposes  as he might or could do in
person,  ratifying and  confirming all that said  attorney-in-fact  and agent or
either of them, or their or his  substitute or  substitutes,  may lawfully do or
cause to be done by virtue hereof.

         Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act of  1933,  this
Registration  Statement  has been signed below by the  following  persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated:


<PAGE>



    Signature                            Title                     Date
    ---------                            -----                     ----


/s/ Walter V. Purnell, Jr.     President and Chief Executive      July  24, 2000
    ----------------------
    Walter V. Purnell, Jr.     Officer, and
                               Director (Principal
                               Executive Officer)

/s/ W. Bartlett Snell          Senior Vice President and Chief    July  24, 2000
    ----------------------
    W. Bartlett Snell          Financial Officer
                               (Principal Financial and
                               and Accounting Officer)

/s/ Gary M. Parsons            Chairman of the Board of           July  24, 2000
    ----------------------
    Gary M. Parsons            Directors


                               Director
    ----------------------
    Douglas I. Brandon

/s/ Billy J. Parrott           Director                           July  24, 2000
    ----------------------
    Billy J. Parrott

/s/ Andrew A. Quartner         Director                           July  24, 2000
    ----------------------
    Andrew A. Quartner

/s/ Jack A. Shaw               Director                           July  24, 2000
    ----------------------
    Jack A. Shaw




<PAGE>


                                Index to Exhibits

 3.1     Restated Certificate of Incorporation
 3.2     Amended and Restated Bylaws
 5       Legal Opinion of Randy S. Segal, Esq.
12.1     Statement regarding computation of ratio of earnings to fixed charges
         and any preferred stock dividends.
23.1     Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
23.2     Consent of KPMG LLP
23.3     Consent of Randy S. Segal, Esq. (included in Exhibit 5)
24       Powers of Attorney of directors and officers of the Company (included
         in the signature page).



<PAGE>


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