[SatNews] July 20th marked the launch of LightSquared(tm), a new nationwide 4G-LTE wireless broadband network integrated with satellite coverage for the United States. As the nation’s first wholesale-only integrated wireless broadband and satellite network, LightSquared will provide wireless broadband capacity to a diverse group of customers, including retailers; wireline and wireless communication service providers; cable operators; device manufacturers; web players; content providers; and many others. The LightSquared network will allow these partners to offer satellite-only, terrestrial-only, or integrated satellite-terestrial services to their end users. This wholesale-only business model ensures LightSquared has no conflict of interest with its customers. LightSquared seeks to transform the wireless broadband industry to one that fosters innovation, creativity, and freedom of choice via the first truly open and net neutral wireless network.

However, the launch of the Company's $400 million satellite has been delayed, due to a glitch of a technical nature. Boeing, the satellite manufacturer, notified LightSquared of this challenge for the SkyTerra 1 satellite's launch date — formerly set for August 16th, this date has now been moved to either the end of this year or early next year. According to Tom Surface, spokesperson for LightSquared, the launch will now occur from Kazakhstan, while Angie Yoshimura of Boeing said this will now allow time for additional testing of the satellite. According to LightSquared, the 4G network's (above story) set-up work should not be impacted by this launch delay, with full network implementation expected to be completed by the close of 2015.