LightSquared looks to stem GPS concerns

Looking to stem objections to its planned network launch, LightSquared said it would fully cooperate on “rigorous” testing procedures to ensure that its plans to offer both satellite/terrestrial and terrestrial-only wireless services do not interfere with GPS offerings.
In a Jan. 21 letter to Federal Communications Commission Secretary Marlene Dortch, LightSquared Chairman and CEO Sanjiv Ahuja said the company would work with the FCC, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, federal agencies and the GPS community to resolve any potential conflicts from LightSquared’s use of the 2 GHz spectrum bands.
“With this process, LightSquared believes the Commission can create a model of responsible spectrum management that will facilitate the prompt deployment of LightSquared’s terrestrial broadband services to the American public while doing its part in protecting the full value of GPS,” wrote Ahuja.
The NTIA earlier this month expressed concern over LightSquared’s proposal to sell terrestrial-only services to potential network partners as those offerings could cause interference to navigation and E-911 systems.
LightSquared had previously filed a waiver with the FCC seeking to allow the company to offer terrestrial-only services to potential customers alongside its original plans to offer a hybrid satellite/terrestrial service. The NTIA said it was concerned that too many terrestrial-based devices operating in the 2 GHz MSS band could cause interference to GPS timing receivers, aeronautical communications and Inmarsat Inc.’s mobile satellite service, which is used by the Department of Defense.
“NTIA understood the original construct of MSS/ATC operations to be that they would operate as ‘satellite first/terrestrial second’ systems. However, the many modifications, rule changes and waivers since the FCC adopted rules in 2003 to allow MSS/ATC more flexibility increase the risk of interference with existing services,” NTIA said in a statement earlier this month. “Thus far we have moved forward allowing development of ATC systems compatible with federal systems maximizing the use of the MSS spectrum. While NTIA has not previously contemplated the impacts of the introduction of terrestrial-only handsets in this band, we are willing to work with all of those involved so that federal operations are protected while allowing MSS/ATC flexibility.”
LightSquared has said it plans to cover more than 260 million potential customers with a LTE network by 2015 that it would sell capacity on to interested companies. LightSquared announced a $7 billion network build out agreement with Nokia Siemens last summer, but has recently been subject to concerns regarding its funding plans.
In addition to its network build, the network wholesale space is currently being driven by Clearwire Corp., which has announced several customers that plan to offer wireless broadband services using the company’s network. Clearwire’s network currently uses WiMAX technology to cover more than 120 million potential customers, though the company has been testing LTE technology as well.