FCC poised to kill LightSquared 4G LTE network
Feb 15 2012
By Fred Hoot - Google+
The FCC is ready to hit the kill switch and cut off the 4G LTE network build for LightSquared. Broadband Expert has been reporting on the LightSquared problems between their proposed 4G LTE network and GPS operations since June 1st of last year.
Broadband Expert also suggested a simple solution: The FCC issues a new spectrum segment not near the GPS satellite band and everyone would have been happy.
Now, after millions of dollars spent in needless testing and proposed changes like LightSquared offering not to use 50% of the spectrum next to the GPS band and reducing power and we are still in the same spot as we were over eight months ago. LightSquared has even accused the government of falsifying tests.
The FCC may start gathering public comments in less than a week. After the comment period they may yank the permit to use the frequency spectrum LightSquared already purchased from the FCC and which the FCC had issued to begin with.
This move could put LightSquared out of business. It would also add complications to the operations of a lot of other companies. Best Buy has signed up to use LightSquared for some of its 4G LTE smartphones. Cricket has signed deals with LightSquared for services.
Sprint has signed a deal to use LightSquared’s 4G LTE network as an extension of their 4G LTE network.
Some rural areas may be out of luck in getting broadband services anytime soon, as Aircado is counting on LightSquared’s 4G LTE network to provide their services to areas of the United States that do not have access to broadband.
FreedomPop will probably have to find other options as they were planning on using LightSquared services to provide free broadband to everyone in America.
With so much at stake, why won’t the FCC just issue a new block of spectrum to LightSquared and be done with it? What do you think should be done?
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