LightSquared Names Doug Smith as CEO

Remember LightSquared , the now-bankrupt company the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) blocked from building its Long Term Evolution (LTE) network using satellite spectrum?

Well, it's still kicking, and it's got a new leader. Doug Smith has been appointed LightSquared chairman and CEO, the company announced Tuesday morning. Smith had served as LightSquared's co-COO and chief network officer, responsible for the design, deployment and operations of its LTE network. Previous LightSquared CEO Sanjiv Ahuja left the company in February .

The new CEO is reassuring stakeholders that the company is still committed to freeing itself from interference concerns and finding a way to launch its nationwide 4G network. "We are very confident that working together, we can provide the American public with both a protected and robust GPS system while enabling LightSquared to offer consumers and businesses more choice and a lower-priced 4G wireless alternative they need and deserve," Smith said in a statement.

Why this matters
LightSquared has a long road ahead of it. An agreement with its creditors should keep it afloat until the fall of next year, but it will still have to rebuild its employee base, convince regulators that its network won't interfere with GPS and prove to the wholesale customers and partners it has lost that it is worth teaming up with again.

For more

• LightSquared Files for Chapter 11
• LightSquared Gets Lifeline 'Til Sept. 2013
• Sprint Scuttles LightSquared Deal
• LightSquared Gets Legal Eagles
• LightSquared CEO Leaves

— Sarah Reedy, Senior Reporter, Light Reading Mobile