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While Harbinger chief Philip Falcone seeks a spectrum swap that could save the day for the would-be wholesale 4G provider
2 Min Read
LightSquared 's CEO struck back at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 's decision this week to block the company's Long Term Evolution (LTE) network plan. (See FCC Moves to Block LightSquared .)
CEO Sanjiv Ahuja released a statement Thursday saying that leaving the GPS interference issue unresolved is "the height of bureaucratic irresponsibility," while stressing that the venture remains committed to finding a solution to the problem:
After years of receiving regulatory approvals, the FCC approved LightSquared to build its ground network in 2005. In 2010, the FCC amended that plan, requiring LightSquared to build a national broadband network that reached 260 million Americans. At the government’s mandate, LightSquared began investing billions of dollars in America’s infrastructure -- without asking for any money from the American taxpayer. Yesterday, after LightSquared had already spent nearly $4 billion, the FCC changed its mind. There can be no more devastating blow to private industry and confidence in the consistency of the FCC’s decision-making process.
Philip Falcone, head of the Harbinger Capital Partners LP fund that backs LightSquared, meanwhile, is reportedly seeking a spectrum swap so that the operator can try to push its plans forward. Bloomberg is quoting sources that the billionaire is seeking a swap with the defense department.
Why this matters
Despite a seemingly fatal blow to its plans from the FCC, it is becoming clear that LightSquared is not ready to give up on its plans just yet.
For more
Light Reading Mobile has followed LightSquared's regulatory roller coaster through its many ups and downs:
LightSquared Responds to the FCC
FCC Moves to Block LightSquared
FreedomPop Bets on 4G With Clearwire
NTIA Kicks LightSquared While It's Down
Public Sucked Into LightSquared Squabble
LightSquared's War of Words
LightSquared Calls GPS Tests 'Rigged'
Government Agencies Blast LightSquared
Sprint Gives LightSquared 30-Day Extension
2011 Top Ten: LightSquared in the Limelight
LightSquared Files GPS-Test Data
LightSquared to GPS Industry: Get Bent
NDAA Bill Would Let Military Block LightSquared
Sprint's $13.5B Jump to LTE With LightSquared
LightSquared Plans LTE Launch Next Year
LightSquared 'Confident' of FCC Approval in 2012
— Dan Jones, Site Editor, Light Reading Mobile
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