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Satnews Daily
March 1st, 2011

LightSquared + USGIC... Milestones To Be Met (SATCOM)


[SatNews] The planned LightSquared wireless broadband and satellite network debut drew the FCC into the technology conversations.

LightSquared and the United States Global Positioning System (GPS) Industry Council (USGIC), who represent the interests of the satellite navigation industry and users, have filed their first joint report as required by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the formation of a technical working group, also required by the FCC. Last month, the FCC granted LightSquared’s waiver to integrate terrestrial broadband network wireless services with satellite communications along with a requirement to complete an interference study. The grant required several interested parties who use neighboring radio spectrum to establish a working group to fully study potential interference concerns and, in particular, to identify any measures necessary to prevent potential interference to GPS. LightSquared and the USGIC, working cooperatively, issued their first joint filing to the FCC Friday, February 25. It outlines the key milestones for the overall analyses they plan to conduct together. The next report will be filed in March and it will provide the FCC with details about test plans and procedures. Joint filings providing progress reports will be delivered to the FCC each month, with the final report due June 15, 2011.