Last week LightSquared received another blow in its efforts to get permission from the FCC to build out its wireless network. LightSquared’s network needs further testing because of its potential effects on a satellite system that increases the accuracy of hurricane tracking, said U.S. government agencies to Congress, according to Bloomberg News.
A statement for a hearing by the House Science committee, made together by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a federal advisory body and the Transportation Department, points out that LightSquared’s signals are causing trouble with accuracy equipment that reads information from the satellite-based global-positioning system (GPS). These signals and equipment are a critical part of the nation’s hurricane tracking system.
Mary Glackin, a deputy undersecretaries at NOAA, suggested a proposal for additional testing of LightSquared’s technology, which does not seem to work properly in tandem with GPS services. Glackin stated that the worries comprise LightSquared’s prospective consequence on a satellite system that raises precision of storm tracking. She continued saying, alternatives for justifying intervention would be restricted since the GPS satellites are in orbit and cannot be altered.
LightSquared Vs. The GPS Industry
LightSquared is currently trying to get permission from the FCC to build out a wholesale network of 40,000 base stations by means of airwaves formerly reserved particularly for satellites. LightSquared is investing $14 billion and has partnered with Sprint Nextel Corp (NYSE:S) to built its network throughout United States.
Manufactures and users of GPS devices that depend on satellite signals said that LightSquared’s technology may disturb navigation by automobiles, boats, planes and tractors. Meanwhile Jeffrey Carlisle, executive VP said, insists that LightSquared’s network and services and GPS can co-exist.