FCC Approves LightSquared Request

The Federal Communications Commission adopted an order granting LightSquared Subsidiary LLC (LightSquared), a Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) licensee in the L-Band, a conditional waiver of the Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) "integrated service" rule.

On November 18, 2010, LightSquared submitted an application for modification of its existing ATC authorization, asserting that the services it plans to offer would meet the Commission's integrated service requirements for MSS/ATC for L-Band MSS systems. In considering LightSquared's request, and in granting this waiver, the FCC considered several factors, including LightSquared's provision of substantial satellite service in the L-Band, its ongoing efforts to coordinate with other L-Band operators and make substantial investments to rationalize operations in the L-Band to enable use of this spectrum for both MSS and ATC broadband services, the steps it has taken to promote an MSS/ATC marketplace that includes dual-mode satellite/terrestrial devices, and its deployment of a 4G satellite/terrestrial network in the L-Band pursuant to unique and substantial terrestrial buildout requirements. The FCC attached conditions to the waiver, drawn from commitments made by LightSquared in its request, to ensure that LightSquared's proposed service offering - both its improved satellite service and its ancillary terrestrial component - will achieve the purposes of the integrated service rule. The FCC also attached conditions to address concerns that commenters and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) have raised about potential interference with Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers.

NTIA Administrator Lawrence Strickling said, "We are pleased that the FCC has taken our recommendation and is requiring that the potential interference concerns be addressed before LightSquared begins offering commercial broadband service. We will continue to work in consultation with the FCC, government agencies, and industry to ensure that any harmful interference concerns are resolved.”


FCC Approves LightSquared Request