LightSquared spectrum issues continue to progress with GPS deals, though challenges remain
Beleaguered spectrum holder LightSquared said it reached an agreement with Garmin on spectrum use parameters for terrestrial service in the 1.6 GHz L-Band that could eventually lead to freeing up more than 50 megahertz of spectrum for commercial cellular use.
LightSquared, which recently emerged from bankruptcy protection, said it has agreed to reduce out-of-band emissions and power levels from its currently authorized levels and to file a request at the Federal Communications Commission to forgo terrestrial use on parts of its spectrum holdings. In return, Garmin said it would not object to LightSquared’s terrestrial deployment plans using spectrum in the 1627-1680 MHz band. The deal also settles previous lawsuits filed by the two companies.
The agreement follows up on similar deals struck between LightSquared and Trimble Navigation and Deere & Co.
“We are glad to finally find resolution to these important spectrum issues and are pleased to reach an end to the case against Garmin,” explained LightSquared CEO Doug Smith. “We will provide increased protections for Garmin’s interests by agreeing to power levels on our uplink and downlink frequencies, dialing down our out-of-band emissions, and by requesting that the FCC modify our license to forgo terrestrial use of the downlink band closest to the GPS signal. Because of these commitments to protect GPS interests, we are pleased that Garmin will not object to the new company’s use of its spectrum located between 1627-1680 MHz for terrestrial service.”
Smith noted LightSquared still needs to work with the aviation community to address interference concerns.
“I am confident we can find that compromise over time so these select frequencies can be utilized,” Smith said.
LightSquared for years has been battling with the GPS and aviation community over the use of its spectrum holdings it planned to use to offer commercial cellular services.
The FCC in early 2011 – under previous Chairman Julius Genachowski – approved LightSquared’s use of its spectrum licenses initially set aside for satellite use to terrestrial, noting the proposed offering was in the public interest. LightSquared planned to use its spectrum resources to launch a mobile broadband network that it planned to wholesale capacity on to interested parties.
Those plans were scuttled by the FCC, which subsequently revoked its permission, citing concerns from the GPS community. LightSquared eventually filed for bankruptcy protection, which resulted in a $3 billion proposal to emerge from under that cloud.
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