LightSquared Gets Green Light to Build Satellite-Based 4G Network

LightSquared, the pioneering communications startup, has just received Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approval today to roll out its high-speed 4G LTE network as planned. The company has come under recent scrutiny by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for possible interference with GPS and other government communication systems.

According to a press release issued today by LightSquared, the FCC has confirmed it will grant the company a waiver to construct a mobile broadband network using both orbiting satellites and terrestrial base stations. Speaking to the Washington Post, an FCC official said, “This is a promising opportunity to promote mobile broadband. LightSquared would be a new competitor and entrant into mobile broadband with new sources of capital and a new kind of business model that consumers find appealing.”

If all proceeds to plan LightSquared could commercially launch its service by the second half of 2011, a goal it has confirmed with Laptopmag.com directly. This is a key hurdle for LightSquared, which envisions itself a wholesaler that will offer its network  to third-party cellular providers looking to fortify their 4G wireless infrastructure.

By using a robust mix of satellites in space and ground-based hardware, LightSquared also hopes to attract lucrative contracts with companies new to the 4G game. All of this could foster a gold-rush, as unconventional players seek to gain a foothold in the mobile broadband arena.

via The Washington Post