Ligado Networks

Ligado Networks is based in Reston, Virginia.{{cite news |title=Airways plan by Ligado, the former LightSquared, advances at FCC |last1=Shields |first1=Todd |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-04-22/airways-plan-by-ligado-the-former-lightsquared-advances-at-fcc |newspaper=Bloomberg News |date=22 April 2016 |accessdate=7 October 2016}} The company is governed by a seven-member board of directors{{cite web |url=http://ligado.com/about-us/board-of-directors/ |title=Board of Directors |publisher=Ligado Networks |accessdate=7 October 2016}} with Ivan Seidenberg as Chairman and Doug Smith as president and CEO.{{cite news|url=http://www.rcrwireless.com/20160524/carriers/ligado-files-5g-plans-fcc-promises-fair-play-gps-tag2|title=Ligado files 5G plans with FCC, promises fair play with GPS|last1=Meyer|first1=Dan|date=24 May 2016|newspaper=RCR Wireless News|accessdate=7 October 2016}}{{Better source needed|date=September 2019}} Fortress Investment Group, LLC, Centerbridge Partners LP and JPMorgan Chase & Co. own controlling stakes in Ligado Networks; Harbinger Capital Partners maintains a minority stake.{{cite news |title=After bankruptcy, LightSquared changes name to Ligado Networks |last1=Fitzgerald |first1=Drew |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/after-bankruptcy-lightsquared-changes-name-to-ligado-networks-1455116783 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=10 February 2016 |accessdate=7 October 2016}}{{cite news |title=LightSquared bankruptcy exit plan earns court approval |last1=Brown |first1=Nick |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-lightsquared-bankruptcy-iduskbn0mm2oj20150326 |newspaper=Reuters |date=26 March 2015 |accessdate=7 September 2016}}

Ligado Networks has 40 MHz of spectrum licenses in the nationwide block of 1500 MHz to 1700 MHz spectrum in the L-Band.{{cite news |title=Ligado unveils mid-band 5G network plan to FCC |last1=Goovaerts |first1=Diana |url=https://www.wirelessweek.com/news/2016/05/ligado-unveils-mid-band-5g-network-plan-fcc |newspaper=Wireless Week |date=24 May 2016 |accessdate=7 October 2016}}{{cite news |title=LightSquared rebrands as Ligado Networks but spectrum plans remain cloudy |last1=Gibbs |first1=Colin |url=http://www.fiercewireless.com/wireless/lightsquared-rebrands-as-ligado-networks-but-spectrum-plans-remain-cloudy |newspaper=FierceWireless |date=9 February 2016 |accessdate=7 October 2016}} With it, the company is developing a satellite-terrestrial network to support the emerging 5G market and Internet of Things applications.

The company (as LightSquared) reached a cooperation agreement in 2007 with Inmarsat, a British satellite telecommunications company, that rearranged the L-Band spectrum so the company could use a larger, contiguous stretch of spectrum.{{cite web |url=http://rethink-wireless.com/2010/08/19/lightsquared-boosts-capacity-inmarsat-spectrum-deal/ |title=LightSquared boosts capacity with Inmarsat spectrum deal |first=Caroline |last=Gabriel |date=19 August 2010 |publisher=Rethink Wireless |accessdate=17 October 2016 |archive-date=20 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920083354/http://rethink-wireless.com/2010/08/19/lightsquared-boosts-capacity-inmarsat-spectrum-deal/ |url-status=dead }} Potential interference issues at the time prevented LightSquared from deploying the network.{{cite news |title=LightSquared pulls the plug |last1=Spector |first1=Mike |last2=Bensinger |first2=Greg |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304192704577404341177350280 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=14 May 2012 |accessdate=7 September 2016}}

In 2010, the company acquired licenses to mid-band spectrum when it bought SkyTerra Communications.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/23/AR2010102303110.html|title=A Harbinger of wireless risks to come|last1=Effinger|first1=Anthony|date=23 October 2010|newspaper=The Washington Post|accessdate=7 September 2016|last2=Burton|first2=Katherine}} LightSquared's plans, which did not come to fruition, were to use the spectrum to create a 4G wireless mobile network covering North America.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnet.com/news/finally-some-good-news-for-lightsquared-and-its-4g-hopes/|title=Finally, some good news for LightSquared and its 4G hopes|last1=Reardon|first1=Marguerite|date=3 May 2013|newspaper=CNET|accessdate=8 September 2016}}{{cite news|url=http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-11/largest-communication-antenna-ever-put-space-will-brings-4g-where-towers-wont|title=The largest commercial antenna ever put into space will beam 4G where towers won't|last1=Dillow|first1=Clay|date=15 November 2010|newspaper=Popular science|accessdate=17 October 2016}}

Ligado received FCC's unanimous approval for use of spectrum near the L-bands used by GPS signals for their 5G networks in April 2020. The decision came after letters from the Department of Defense and members of Congress suggested that the company using spectrum would interfere with military capabilities. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper warned of the risks, and a spokesman for the Pentagon argued that the request should be denied. The request was also opposed by Iridium Communications and the Federal Aviation Administration.{{Cite web |title=FCC to greenlight Ligado's 5G network despite strong pushback from the Pentagon - SpaceNews |first1=Sandra |last1=Erwin |first2=Caleb |last2=Henry |work=SpaceNews |date=16 April 2020 |access-date=6 July 2020 |url= https://spacenews.com/fcc-to-greenlight-ligados-5g-network-despite-strong-pushback-from-the-pentagon/}}

After the FCC approval, Bradford Parkinson, lead architect of the Global Positioning System and member of the National Executive Committee for Space-Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing, said that the FCC had made a "grave error" in their approval. An advisory committee agreed that the approval was a risk. Major aviation associations including the Air Line Pilots Association, International, Aerospace Industries Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), and others all filed statements in opposition to the order. Other major GPS users, including Lockheed, Garmin, Trimble, and others also filed statements in opposition. Additionally, after the ruling, the Department of Defense and Department of Transportation issued a joint statement of opposition; the latter noted safety losses from impacts to E-911 service. The HASC committee chairman, Rep. Adam Smith called it a security risk.{{Cite web |title=FCC has made a Grave Error in Authorizing a High-Power, Terrestrial Communication-Network in the Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) Radio Spectrum, Adjacent to GPS |work=gps.gov |access-date=6 July 2020 |url= https://www.gps.gov/governance/advisory/meetings/2020-07/parkinson.pdf}}{{Cite web |title=GPS committee calls FCC Ligado order a "grave error" - SpaceNews |first=Jeff |last=Foust |work=SpaceNews |date=1 July 2020 |access-date=6 July 2020 |url= https://spacenews.com/gps-committee-calls-fcc-ligado-order-a-grave-error/}}{{Cite web |title=DoD issues new rebuke of FCC's decision to allow Ligado 5G network - SpaceNews |first=Sandra |last=Erwin |work=SpaceNews |date=18 April 2020 |access-date=6 July 2020 |url= https://spacenews.com/dod-issues-new-rebuke-of-fccs-decision-to-allow-ligado-5g-network/}}

In early May, the SASC held a hearing on the effects of the decision. Referencing the COVID-19 pandemic, Chairman Sen. James Inhofe charged FCC, stating "a few powerful people made a hasty decision over the weekend, in the middle of a national crisis, against the judgment of every other agency involved". The DOD said they had filed multiple objections and believed the license would be denied. The DOD objected to a draft of the approval in October 2019 and communicated this back to the FCC, who shared their rejection with Ligado. The FCC was not invited to participate; it is overseen by another committee. Ligado was also not invited to participate, which their CEO and Chairman both complained about in a joint statement. The following day, the HASC wrote a letter on behalf of the entire committee denouncing the decision and asking oversight questions. HASC and FCC participated in a conference call on May 21. On the following day, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration formally petitioned the FCC to request for a reversal of the decision. Ligado stated AG William Barr, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and others supported their license. On May 26, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai responded to the HASC, commenting on the interagency conflict and defending their decision.{{Cite web |title=Re: Ligado proceedings DA/FCC-20, IB Docket No. 11-109 and IB Docket No. 12-340 |work=republicans-armedservices.house.gov |date=7 May 2020 |access-date=6 July 2020 |url= https://republicans-armedservices.house.gov/sites/republicans.armedservices.house.gov/files/HASC_FCCLigadoLetter_FINAL.pdf}}{{Cite web |title=DoD says it was blindsided by FCC Ligado decision, will petition to have it reversed - SpaceNews |first=Sandra |last=Erwin |work=SpaceNews |date=6 May 2020 |access-date=6 July 2020 |url= https://spacenews.com/dod-says-it-was-blindsided-by-fcc-ligado-decision-will-petition-to-have-it-reversed/}}{{Cite web |title=FCC stands by Ligado decision as lawmakers step up criticism - SpaceNews |first=Sandra |last=Erwin |work=SpaceNews |date=27 May 2020 |access-date=6 July 2020 |url= https://spacenews.com/fcc-stands-by-ligado-decision-as-lawmakers-step-up-criticism/}}{{Cite web |title=Dear Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Thornberry |work=ligado.com |date=21 May 2020 |access-date=6 July 2020 |url= https://ligado.com/wp-content/uploads/Ligado-Letter-to-HASC-5.21.2020.pdf?mc_cid=199f592498&mc_eid=a067ec8516}}{{Cite web |title=HASC joins critics of FCC's Ligado decision, FCC denounces 'baseless fear mongering' - SpaceNews |first=Sandra |last=Erwin |work=SpaceNews |date=8 May 2020 |access-date=6 July 2020 |url= https://spacenews.com/hasc-joins-critics-of-fccs-ligado-decision-fcc-calls-out-baseless-fear-mongering/}}

In June 2020, Sen. Inhofe proposed legislation requiring Ligado to be liable for costs associated with their impact to GPS reception for any user of the service.{{Cite web |title=Inhofe to introduce new legislation that could cost Ligado |last1=Mehta |first1=Aaron |last2=Gould |first2=Joe |work=C4ISRNET |date=18 June 2020 |access-date=6 July 2020 |url= https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/2020/06/18/inhofe-to-introduce-new-legislation-that-could-cost-ligado/}} Rep. Michael Turner added language to the annual defense funding bill that would effectively ban Ligado from receiving contracts with DoD, and Sen. Inhofe did the same in their version of the bill.{{Cite web |title=Senate legislation would slow Ligado launch |last=Mehta |first=Aaron |work=C4ISRNET |date=11 June 2020 |access-date=6 July 2020 |url= https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/2020/06/11/senate-legislation-would-slow-ligado-launch/}}{{Cite web |title=Ligado would be banned from DoD contracts under House plan |last=Gould |first=Joe |work=C4ISRNET |date=1 July 2020 |access-date=6 July 2020 |url= https://www.c4isrnet.com/congress/2020/07/01/ban-on-dod-contracts-to-ligado-approved-by-house-panel/}} Members of the HASC asked for an investigation into Dennis Roberson, who is both the head of FCC's Technical Advisory Council and the head of Roberson and Associates, which provided a report to the FCC on Ligado's behalf.{{Cite web |title=House members call for IG investigation tied to Ligado |last=Mehta |first=Aaron |work=C4ISRNET |date=12 June 2020 |access-date=6 July 2020 |url= https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/2020/06/12/house-members-call-for-ig-investigation-tied-to-ligado/}} The Keep GPS Working Coalition was created in late June, representing a broad range of industries including the Boat Owners Association, AOPA, AFBF, and others.{{Cite web |title=New industry coalition to defend GPS against Ligado 5G plan |first=Jacqueline |last=Feldscher |work=POLITICO |date=26 June 2020 |access-date=6 July 2020 |url= https://www.politico.com/news/2020/06/26/politico-pro-q-a-keep-gps-working-coalition-340710}}{{Cite web |title=Coalition forms to defend GPS from jamming risk |first=Dan |last=Namowitz |work=aopa.org |date=24 June 2020 |access-date=6 July 2020 |url= https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2020/june/24/coalition-forms-to-defend-gps-from-jamming-threat}}

On October 13, 2023, Ligado announced that it would be preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in eleven years after government talks over a multibillion-dollar claim asserted by the company collapsed and fell through.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/spectrum-venture-ligado-nears-bankruptcy-after-government-talks-collapse-2cd210e7|title=Spectrum Venture Ligado Nears Bankruptcy After Government Talks Collapse|date=October 13, 2023|access-date=October 16, 2023|website=The Wall Street Journal|language=en}} On October 16, 2023, Ligado sued the U.S. government, stating that the Department of Defense is using its spectrum illegally, alleging that the U.S. government misappropriated Ligado's exclusively talked spectrum to support secret DoD systems that have been using the spectrum without consent.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fiercewireless.com/5g/ligado-sues-us-government-says-dod-using-its-spectrum-illegally|title=Ligado sues U.S. government, says DoD is using its spectrum illegally|date=October 16, 2023|access-date=October 16, 2023|website=Fierce Wireless|language=en}} Ligado Networks filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on January 5, 2025.{{Cite web|url= https://www.wsj.com/articles/spectrum-owner-ligado-files-for-bankruptcy-amid-government-dispute-ab44e727|title= Spectrum Operator Ligado Files for Bankruptcy Amid Government Dispute|last=Yerak|first=Becky|date=January 6, 2025|access-date=January 6, 2025|website=Wall Street Journal|language=en}}

Ligado Networks originated in 1988 with the company American Mobile Satellite Corporation (which became Motient Corporation), and later as Mobile Satellite Ventures{{cite news |title=Slicing up the spectrum: LightSquared's cautionary tale |last1=Jerome |first1=Sara |last2=Smith |first2=Smith |url=https://www.nexis.com/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=552J-PH31-JCBJ-K2ND&csi=8399&oc=00240&perma=true |newspaper=National Review |quote="Harbinger Capital Partners, a New York-based hedge fund, formed LightSquared in July 2010 out of the remains of a company that began in 1988 as American Mobile Satellite and later did business as Mobile Satellite Ventures and SkyTerra." |date=13 October 2011 |accessdate=12 September 2016}} after a merger between Motient Corporation and TMI Communications.{{cite news |title=Motient and TMI Communications complete consolidation and of mobile satellite businesses |url=https://www.nexis.com/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=4RYX-SDB0-TX4X-W049&csi=8399&oc=00240&perma=true |newspaper=Wireless Satellite and Broadcasting Newsletter |quote="Motient and TMI Communications have announced that their new jointventure, Mobile Satellite Ventures LP (MSV) has been granted the necessary regulatory approvals from both the FCC and its Canadian counterpart, Industry Canada. These regulatory approvals have allowed MSV to complete the previously announced combination of Motient's satellite operations with those of TMI Communications, and to become a standalone operating entity." |date=1 December 2001 |accessdate=12 September 2016}} The company originally operated two geostationary satellites covering the North American market: MSAT-2,{{cite news |title=Communications |last1=LaPrade |first1=Nicholas |url=https://www.nexis.com/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=3SJD-V410-001W-G373&csi=8399&oc=00240&perma=true |newspaper=Aerospace America |quote="Its successful launch in April of American Mobile Satellite's MSAT-2 geostationary spacecraft pioneered a new large-antenna reflector technology (two graphite ovals 16 x 22 ft), which enables their mobile satellites to form many isolated spot beams, permitting the limited frequency spectrum to be reused between beams." |date=December 1995 |accessdate=12 September 2016}} licensed in the United States, launched in 1995; the next year, the company launched MSAT-1, which is licensed in Canada.{{cite news |title=Canadian satellite connects remote areas to cities |url=https://www.nexis.com/docview/getDocForCuiReq?lni=473C-3T20-01GV-K3MR&csi=8399&oc=00240&perma=true |newspaper=The Hamilton Spectator |quote="The MSAT-1 was launched Saturday in the South American country French Guiana. … until now, a U.S. satellite was carrying the companies' signals." |date=22 April 1996 |accessdate=12 September 2016}}

Mobile Satellite Ventures changed its name to SkyTerra Communications in 2008.{{cite web |url=https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/6520193285.pdf |title=Mobile Satellite Ventures Subsidiary LLC Notification of Name Change |date=9 December 2008 |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |accessdate=8 September 2016 |archive-date=18 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118084202/https://ecfsapi.fcc.gov/file/6520193285.pdf |url-status=dead }} LightSquared emerged from SkyTerra after Philip Falcone's Harbinger Capital Partners acquired SkyTerra in March 2010. The company received about $2.9 billion in assets from Harbinger and affiliates, as well as more than $2.3 billion in debt and equity financing.{{cite news |title=Update 2-Falcone's LightSquared raises $265 mln in funding |last1=Carew |first1=Sinead |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/lightsquared-funding-idUSN1E76406420110705 |newspaper=Reuters |date=5 July 2011 |accessdate=8 September 2016}}{{cite news |title=Falcone leaves LightSquared board amin bankruptcy talks |last1=Shields |first1=Todd |last2=Kary |first2=Tiffany |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-06-18/investor-philip-falcone-resigns-from-lightsquared-board |newspaper=Bloomberg News |date=19 June 2014 |accessdate=8 September 2016}} LightSquared sought to develop a 4G LTE wireless broadband network using spectrum in the L-Band.

The company launched its SkyTerra 1 satellite from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on November 14, 2010.{{cite news |title=Huge antenna launched into space |last1=Amos |first1=Jonathan |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-11756327 |newspaper=BBC News |date=15 November 2010 |accessdate=8 September 2016}} At its launch, the satellite contained the largest commercial reflector antenna put into service. SkyTerra 1 replaced MSAT-1 and MSAT-2 as most of the data from the company's MSAT satellites relocated to SkyTerra 1.{{cite news |title=Satellites |newspaper=Communications Daily |date=16 November 2010}}

The spectrum the company controls was originally set aside for satellite communications only. That changed in 2004 when the FCC granted approval for the company to augment its satellite network with cellphone towers on land (serving as an "ancillary terrestrial component," or ATC). In January 2011, the FCC approved a conditional waiver to allow the company to use its spectrum for land-based-only LTE communications if the company resolved GPS interference.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnet.com/news/lightsquared-the-answer-to-u-s-wireless-competition/|title=LightSquare: The answer to U.S. wireless competition?|last1=Reardon|first1=Marguerite|date=21 April 2011|newspaper=CNET|accessdate=8 September 2016}} The GPS industry, aviators and military claimed the company's use of its spectrum would interfere with their communications.{{cite news |title=More tests show GPS interference from LightSquared's network |last1=Schatz |first1=Amy |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304392704576375951185697140 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=10 June 2011 |accessdate=8 September 2016}} In February 2012, the FCC proposed to suspend indefinitely the ATC authorization due to the interference issues with satellite services.{{cite web |url=https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-12-214A1_Rcd.pdf |title=Public Notice: International Bureau invites comment on NTIA letter regarding LightSquared conditional waiver |date=15 February 2012 |publisher=Federal Communications Commission |accessdate=18 October 2016}} Three months later, LightSquared filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy.

On December 7, 2015, the company emerged from bankruptcy as a new company{{cite news |title=LightSquared strikes spectrum deal and exits bankruptcy |last1=Rucinski |first1=Tracy |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-lightsquared-bankruptcy-idUSKBN0TR2QL20151209 |work=Reuters |date=8 December 2015 |accessdate=21 November 2016}}{{cite news |title=LightSquared back from the brink, under former Verizon chief |last1=Majithia |first1=Kavit |url=http://www.mobileworldlive.com/featured-content/home-banner/lightsquared-back-from-the-brink-under-former-verizon-chief/ |newspaper=Mobile World Live |date=7 December 2015 |accessdate=21 November 2016}} under the control of Centerbridge Partners, Fortress Investment Group and JPMorgan Chase & Co.; Harbinger retained minority ownership. Also in December 2015, the company reached settlements with GPS companies Garmin Ltd., Deere & Co. and Trimble Navigation Ltd. to establish how the company and GPS companies can coexist.{{cite news |title=New LightSquared settles GPS lawsuit with Garmin |last1=Fitzgerald |first1=Patrick |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-lightsquared-settles-gps-lawsuit-with-garmin-1450363420 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=17 December 2015 |accessdate=7 September 2016}}{{cite news |title=LightSquared settles GPS lawsuit with Trimble Navigation |last1=Fitzgerald |first1=Patrick |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/lightsquared-settles-gps-lawsuit-with-trimble-navigation-1450207283 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=15 December 2015 |accessdate=7 September 2016}}

The company announced its new name, Ligado Networks, on February 10, 2016.

On March 1, 2001, Ligado Networks' predecessor, Mobile Satellite Ventures applied to the FCC to use a "combination of spot-beam satellites and terrestrial base stations."{{cite web|url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/ib/forms/reports/related_filing.hts?f_key=200647&f_number=SATASG2001030200017|title=FCC Docket File Number: SATASG2001030200017, "Mobile Satellite Ventures LLC Application for Assignment and Modification of Licenses and for Authority to Launch and Operate a Next-Generation Mobile Satellite System"|page=9|work=FCC.gov|date=March 1, 2001|access-date=June 6, 2011|archive-date=January 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114225139/http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/ib/forms/reports/related_filing.hts?f_key=200647&f_number=SATASG2001030200017|url-status=dead}}

In 2011, LightSquared's plan for standalone-terrestrial broadband services met resistance over potential interference issues with GPS systems.

In a January 12, 2011, letter to the FCC, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) chief Lawrence Strickling said that LightSquared's hybrid mobile broadband services raise "significant interference concerns" and that several federal agencies wanted the FCC to defer action on LightSquared until the concerns were addressed.{{cite web |url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/myibfs/download.do?attachment_key=860737 |title=NTIA letter to FCC |date=January 12, 2011 |work=Federal Communications Commission |accessdate=April 14, 2011 |archive-date=April 5, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405151220/http://licensing.fcc.gov/myibfs/download.do?attachment_key=860737 |url-status=dead }}

On January 20, 2011, GPS industry representatives sent a letter to the FCC, sharing a study by Garmin International that said "widespread, severe GPS jamming will occur" if LightSquared's plans were approved.{{cite web|url=http://www.gpsworld.com/gnss-system/signal-processing/lightsquared-jamming-report-11030 |title=Notice of Ex Parte presentation in LightSquared Subsidiary LLC application for modification of authority for ancillary terrestrial component, File No. SAT-MOD-20101118-00239 |date=20 January 2011 |publisher=GPS World |accessdate=28 December 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110209074513/http://www.gpsworld.com/gnss-system/signal-processing/lightsquared-jamming-report-11030 |archive-date= 9 February 2011 }} The study used two GPS models and simulated LightSquared transmitters.

Testing showed that LightSquared's proposed ground-based transmissions could "overpower" the fainter GPS signals from space-based satellites. With the band close to those GPS signals, "GPS devices could pick up the stronger LightSquared signals and become overloaded or saturated".{{cite web |url=http://www.gps.gov/spectrum/lightsquared/ |title=LightSquared and GPS |publisher=GPS.gov |accessdate=28 December 2016}}

On January 26, 2011, The Federal Communications Commission granted a conditional waiver that allowed LightSquared and its wholesale customers to offer terrestrial-only devices rather than having to incorporate both satellite and terrestrial services.{{cite news|url=http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/fccs-genachowski-we-wont-let-lightsquared-operate-without-gps-interference-/2011-06-06|title=FCC's Genachowski: We won't let LightSquared operate without GPS interference resolution|date=June 6, 2011|work=FierceBroadbandWireless|access-date=2011-06-07|archive-date=2011-06-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609235325/http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/fccs-genachowski-we-wont-let-lightsquared-operate-without-gps-interference-/2011-06-06|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-133A1.pdf|title=FCC Order, Granted LightSquared Subsidiary LLC, a Mobile Satellite Service licensee in the L-Band, a conditional waiver of the Ancillary Terrestrial Component "integrated service" rule|date=26 January 2011|work=Federal Communications Commission|publisher=FCC.Gov|accessdate=7 February 2011|archive-date=16 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111216043715/http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-133A1.pdf|url-status=dead}} The waiver was conditioned on resolving concerns about interference to GPS.FCC press release "[http://www.fcc.gov/document/spokesperson-statement-ntia-letter-lightsquared-and-gps " Spokesperson Statement on NTIA Letter--LightSquared and GPS] " February 14, 2012{{cite news|title=LightSquared Interference Issues|date=9 February 2011|newspaper=Communications Daily}} Companies that provide global positioning systems, in addition to the United States Air Force, the operator of the GPS system, opposed the FCC waiver, saying that more time was needed to resolve concerns that LightSquared's service might interfere with their satellite-based offerings. LightSquared promised to work with GPS providers and give the FCC monthly updates on a resolution to interference concerns.{{cite news|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/posttech/2011/01/the_federal_communications_com_9.html?wprss=posttech|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010115023/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/posttech/2011/01/the_federal_communications_com_9.html?wprss=posttech|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 10, 2012|title=FCC grants LightSquared approval to use satellite airwaves for cell phones|first=Cecilia|last=Kang|date=26 January 2011|newspaper=Washington Post|accessdate=7 February 2011}}

On April 5, 2011, with respect to concerns raised by the U.S. GPS Industry Council and NTIA about LightSquared's proposed operations, the FCC stated that LightSquared could not commence offering a commercial terrestrial service until the agency concluded that the harmful interference concerns had been resolved.{{cite web |url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-57A1.doc |title=FCC Order, Fixed and Mobile Services in the Mobile Satellite Service Bands at 1525-1559 MHz and 1626.5-1660.5 MHz, 1610-1626.5 MHz and 2483.5-2500 MHz, and 2000-2020 MHz and 2180-2200 MHz |date=April 5, 2011 |publisher=FCC.Gov |page=13 |access-date=April 13, 2011 |archive-date=October 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015104827/http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-57A1.doc |url-status=dead }}

On February 14, 2012, the FCC initiated proceedings to vacate LightSquared's Conditional Waiver Order based on the NTIA's conclusion that there was currently no practical way to mitigate potential GPS interference.

On September 15, 2011, Representative Michael Turner (R-Ohio) called for the United States House Oversight and Government Committee to investigate LightSquared under the premise that the Federal Communications Commission waived a rule for LightSquared because of campaign contributions to Democrats.{{cite news |title=U.S. Republican lawmakers call for investigation of LightSquared case |last1=Werner |first1=Debra |url=http://spacenews.com/us-republican-lawmakers-call-investigation-lightsquared-case/ |newspaper=Spacenews |date=23 September 2011 |accessdate=31 October 2016}}{{cite news |title=LightSquared execs fire back |last1=Krigman |first1=Eliza |url=http://www.politico.com/story/2011/09/lightsquared-execs-fire-back-063728 |newspaper=Politico |accessdate=31 October 2016}} LightSquared officials, who had contributed to both Republicans and Democrats, denied the allegations.

Among the issues raised was whether political contributors and investors received favorable treatment by President Barack Obama's administration. Before he became president, Senator Obama had invested between $50,000 and $90,000 in SkyTerra, which later became LightSquared.{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/07/us/politics/07obama.html | title=In '05 Investing, Obama Took Same Path as Donors | author=Mike McIntyre and Christopher Drew |newspaper= The New York Times | date=7 March 2007 |accessdate= 8 April 2017}}{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/08/us/politics/08obama.html | title=Obama Says His Investments Presented No Conflicts of Interest | author=Jeff Zeleny and Christopher Drew |newspaper= The New York Times |date=8 March 2007 |accessdate= 8 April 2017}} An Air Force General claimed in a closed congressional hearing that he had received political pressure to soften his testimony regarding the negative effects of LightSquared technology.{{cite web|title=Obama administration 'pressured Air Force general to change testimony'|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/8769543/Obama-administration-pressured-Air-Force-general-to-change-testimony.html|first=Toby|last=Harnden|date=16 September 2011|newspaper=The Telegraph|accessdate=7 October 2011}}{{cite web|title=Soros turns up in Obama's LightSquared imbroglio|url=http://campaign2012.washingtonexaminer.com/article/soros-turns-obamas-lightsquared-imbroglio|first=Timothy P.|last=Carney|date=21 September 2011|website=Washington Examiner|publisher=MediaDC|accessdate=7 October 2011|archive-date=24 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924050345/http://campaign2012.washingtonexaminer.com/article/soros-turns-obamas-lightsquared-imbroglio|url-status=dead}} However, the General's spokesperson denied there was any improper influence and said that the general's testimony was reviewed appropriately by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and other executive agencies via the established Office of Management and Budget process.{{cite news|title=GOP lawmakers scrutinize LightSquared|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/gop-lawmakers-scrutinize-lightsquared/2011/09/15/gIQAFK1iVK_story.html|first=Cecilia|last=Kang|date=15 September 2011|newspaper=The Washington Post|accessdate=4 November 2011}}

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), a ranking minority member on the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary, had also asked Falcone and LightSquared's CEO to disclose their contacts with the FCC, the White House and other government agencies.{{cite web|title=Grassley Asks Falcone for Records of FCC, White House Contacts|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-10-06/grassley-asks-falcone-for-records-of-fcc-white-house-contacts.html|first=Eric|last=Engleman|date=6 October 2011|publisher=Bloomberg|accessdate=7 October 2011}}

{{reflist|30em}}

• [http://www.ligado.com/ Ligado Networks]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Lightsquared}}

Category:Wireless networking

Category:Satellite Internet access

Category:Global Positioning System

Category:Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2012

Category:Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2025

Category:Federal Communications Commission

Category:Companies based in Reston, Virginia