[SatNews] A new agreement has been established to set-up a strategic networking partnership.

LightSquared™, the nation’s first, wholesale-only, integrated 4G-LTE wireless broadband and satellite network, and Open Range Communications, a broadband wireless provider of Internet and digital phone service to rural American communities, have entered into an agreement in principle to establish a multi-year strategic network partnership. This partnership represents a major step toward fulfilling the promise of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) National Broadband Plan. As stated in the plan, “Broadband can and must serve as a foundation for long-term economic growth, on-going investment and enduring job creation.” This partnership underscores the goals of this plan by providing benefits to consumers, businesses, healthcare, tribal organizations, public safety and other government users located in or traveling to rural communities and who are seeking access to the latest generation of mobile services. The partnership is expected to include a licensing arrangement whereby Open Range will lease LightSquared’s L-band spectrum. This wholesale agreement will enable Open Range to sell LightSquared’s next generation satellite capacity. The partnership will also include a 4G nationwide reciprocal roaming arrangement. Under the arrangement, the companies will collaborate on the design, build-out and operation of Open Range’s network as well as on product and service evolution. The arrangement, which is set out in an Initial Network Agreement, is subject to the execution of definitive agreements, which are expected to be finalized as soon as possible. It is also subject to review by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Utilities Program, and approval of spectrum lease arrangements by the FCC.