LightSquared said to remain on track despite challenges

Few carriers have garnered more curious glances in the past several months than LightSquared, which is in the midst of rolling out a wholesale wireless network using a hybrid satellite/terrestrial network. Those efforts have been buffeted by the need to raise billions in funding, claims of network interference with GPS signals and the industry’s history of being tough on the wholesale model.
Despite these headwinds, LightSquared has maintained a strong perseverance with the company recently completing the launch and testing of its satellite, its ability to attract some carrier clients and fairly open dialogue on trying to cure any network issues. The carrier said it was also on track to begin offering service later this year.
LightSquared’s SVP and CMO Frank Boulben said last week that the carrier was in talks with more than 60 companies regarding possibly leasing access to the carrier’s network. Boulben noted those companies break down into two segments: Current carriers that lack coverage or capacity to power their own 4G services; and non-wireless entities like retailers, device manufacturers, ISPs, cable and wireline providers looking to add high-speed mobile broadband to their portfolio.
At the recent CTIA event, LightSquared announced it had added Leap Wireless International Inc. to its client list noting the regional operator had signed a roaming agreement that would allow it to offer LTE-based services in areas its own network would not reach. LightSquared’ CEO Sanjiv Ahuja also took the stage during a keynote address at the event to tout the carrier’s progress in both attracting partners and moving forward with its network plans.
Boulben also countered current rumors by stating that the carrier was “very pleased” with its current network provider Nokia Siemens Networks. Boulben did note that while the base plan for its network deployment was a greenfield build that is to include up to 40,000 cell sites, the company was open to sharing network assets if it would help speed deployment and reduce costs.
As for continued concerns that its hybrid network plans continue to interfere with government GPS signals, Boulben said the carrier is working very closely with officials to clear up any conflict.
“We are fully committed to the process as defined by the FCC, and have started to work with the technical working groups, cooperating with federal agencies and the GPS community and GPS engineers in a transparent way,” Boulben said, adding that testing methodology has recently been agreed upon by all parties and that it was still on track to deliver a final report to the FCC in mid-June.