Comments on: FCC puts the kibosh on LightSquared’s LTE plans

By: Steve K

Steve K — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:19:18 +0000

LS bought low power (as in there is little power left when it reaches us from space) satellite bands with the intention of using them for a terrestrial network. There is a big difference between one satellite beaming down a low power signal and hundreds of cell towers flooding an area in the same band. LS knew the issues going in, as did the FCC when they said LS was open to try, but had to make it work without disrupting anything else. LS couldn’t and so they painted themselves as victims of some conspiracy to prevent them from using their rightfully purchased property. When it was more like they were trying to pull a fast one, avoiding going toe to toe with the big boys in the bandwidth auctions for terrestrial frequencies and hoping no one would notice that they were operating in an area where high density terrestrial networks don’t belong.

By: Lindsworth Horatio Deer

Lindsworth Horatio Deer — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:53:22 +0000

About time somebody tole LightSquared that their plan would make GPS unworkable. Why not use Optical Frequencies instead? or Frequencies in the 14 GHX range!!!!! That makes more sense, as those frequencies are in the satelite broadband range and would have the capacity to power a ground based LTE Network from satellites in space??

By: Ian Betteridge

Ian Betteridge — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:58:00 +0000

You’re misunderstanding the issue. The issue isn’t that anyone is transmitting on the frequencies LS owns – it’s that some GPS devices (not all) can receive on those frequencies, and hence can be interfered with. No one’s “using” LS’ spectrum.

By: William Diaz ✔

William Diaz ✔ — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:08:21 +0000

In this case, Id say that LightSquared is due a refund of the spectrum they cant use, in addition to charging ALL GPS manufactures and companies using ANY device/GPS that infringes on parts of the spectrum they do own a rather large fee. Technically if they own it, but another is on it, they can sue to vacate, or sue and win settlements.

By: Curtis

Curtis — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 04:39:26 +0000

I know nothing about this matter other than what’s in this article, but accepting the article as fact, it sounds to me like LightSquared is owed rights fees for use of its airways….and likely a substantial damage award.