How a 21st-century communications network will drive innovation, job creation, and a competitive environment where business and consumers both win.
October 12, 2011 – Nearly a decade ago, LightSquared began investing in the development of America’s first nationwide wireless broadband network integrated with satellite coverage to provide high quality broadband access and affordability for all Americans. Those opposed to expanding wireless competition, however, have been advancing misinformation. I’d like to set the record straight by providing the following facts.
Undeniably, Americans need more broadband access.
Today, our nation ranks 15th in the world in delivering broadband to its citizens. Millions of Americans and tens of thousands of small businesses are located in areas that have no broadband—hindering their ability to connect, compete, and grow. This has stymied innovation and job growth at a time when our economy desperately needs both. And without a state-of-the-art wireless broadband infrastructure, within 24 months the U.S. will exceed its spectrum capacity, further inhibiting economic growth.
The LightSquared network can coexist with all GPS consumer devices.
GPS consumer devices, such as navigational aids in vehicles and phones, will not experience any disruption. Despite the inappropriate use of LightSquared’s licensed spectrum by GPS manufacturers, LightSquared has fixed the GPS problem for every single consumer device user.
A solution has already been developed for GPS precision devices.
A very small percentage of GPS devices (well under one percent) involve precision measurement used by professionals such as farmers, contractors, and surveyors. American ingenuity, fueled by our solutions partners, has developed a solution for these devices, too—in a matter of weeks and at a cost as low as $6 to implement. This flies in the face of others claiming a solution would take years and billions of dollars.
Supporters everywhere see improved broadband access and affordability as an engine for U.S. economic growth.
• The Farm Bureau, which relies on world-class satellite measurement services, states that rather than stifle innovation and restrict competition, Washington should encourage the coexistence of LightSquared and GPS for the good of our economy. Countless consumers, rural advocates, and small and large businesses agree with this position.
• The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) contends that a $10 billion investment in broadband would produce as many as 498,000 new jobs.
• Several states attest to the impact of broadband on jobs: In North Carolina, nearly 18 percent of new jobs are created as a direct result of broadband Internet. In Minnesota, 60 percent of unemployed adults, 30 percent of homemakers, and 17 percent of retirees say they would likely join the workforce if empowered by teleworking.
• Four of the 12 members of Congress’ “Super Committee” (Sens. John Kerry [D-Mass.] and Patrick J. Toomey [R-Pa.]; and Reps. Xavier Becerra [D-Calif.] and Fred Upton [R-Mich.]), recently asked the White House to find more government spectrum and build on the momentum created by the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005. That act yielded spectrum now being used to deploy 4G wireless services, which gives the United States an international edge in the growing wireless economy.
The LightSquared network will bring jobs, competition, and innovation to the U.S. wireless industry, with affordable prices and better service for Americans everywhere. And it doesn’t require any government funding to do so.
Learn more about how we can work together to build the 21st-century communications network all Americans deserve at www.LightSquared.com