Codebreaker

Another nail in the LightSquared coffin

Larissa Anderson Mar 16, 2012

Today is the last day the Federal Communications Commission is taking public comment on the little network that can’t seem to get going … LightSquared, which could have had the potential to radically alter the landscape of how we get wireless service. Earlier this month, the FCC told the company put the kabosh on its application to build out a network. Now, Sprint, the George Harrison of carriers, announced today that it’s going to end its contract with the company, which means that LightSquared no longer has a major partner to help it build out a network. Sprint gave back $65 million in repayments and everything. Sprint had said that it would only help LightSquared if the FCC approved its plan to turn satellite airwaves into airwaves designated for land-based spectrum. For its part, LightSquared is expected to file a defense with the FCC today, hoping to keep its network on track. It says there’s still some money in the bank and they’re trying to make something work. Good luck.

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