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LightSquared gets extension on FCC approval
03 January 2012
Sprint has granted Philip Falcone owned LightSquared a 30-day extension to get FCC nod for 4G network
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US operator Sprint Nextel has given an extension of 30 days to LightSquared to receive clearance from the FCC to operate its planned 4G network. The initial deadline was December 31 2011. The FCC authorisation is required as part of a network sharing agreement between the two companies, which is expected to run for 15 years.
LightSquared intends to introduce a satellite and terrestrial 4G network with a coverage of 260 million people in the US by 2016. The firm believes that this deal will allow the company to save $13 billion by the end of this decade.
The US Department of Defense, politicians and device manufacturers have criticised LightSquared’s planned spectrum, claiming that signals will block GPS signals and interfere with satellite services. If the FCC gives sanction, LightSquared will also be able to use its agreements with Leap Wireless International, Best Buy and others to provide the service. GTB
Further reading from Global Telecoms Business:
LightSquared's Sanjiv Ahuja navigates course around GPS ... 10 Aug 2011
LightSquared and Sprint sign LTE deal 29 Jul 2011
LightSquared secures $265m in funding 06 Jul 2011
LightSquared and Cellular South in 4G deal 21 Apr 2011