LightSquared to GPS industry: Work with us on interference testing or stop complaining

LightSquared is serving notice to the GPS industry, its longtime nemesis: participate in new tests on interference between LightSquared's spectrum and GPS receivers or waive your right to complain, according to a lawyer representing LightSquared. In a filing with the Federal Communications Commission, LightSquared listed 28 different GPS receivers and related devices that it wants to test for interference with its terrestrial mobile broadband service. The devices include certified and non-certified aviation receivers and avionics equipment, general location, cell phones and 13 different high-precision clocks and receivers.

Reed Hundt, a former FCC chairman who is now an attorney representing LightSquared, said that the 28 receivers on the list in the test plan were chosen for their economic significance -- meaning, they are the most widely used and that GPS makers have a clear economic stake in them. "We think that the right thing to do is test receivers that appear to have, let's call it, economic significance. So, that's why you're looking at a list," Hundt said. "If somebody thinks that others are the ones with economic significance, then confidentially share the business information -- and speak now or forever hold your peace."