Press Releases
- August 21, 2012
Doug Smith Appointed Chairman of the Board and CEO of LightSquared - May 14, 2012
LightSquared Implements Voluntary Chapter 11 Restructuring - April 20, 2012
LightSquared’s Amended Agreement with Inmarsat Enhances Opportunities for Increased Competition and Universal Access to Broadband Wireless Coverage Across Entire U.S. - March 30, 2012
LightSquared Says Proposed FCC Ruling Is Legally Unprecedented, Not Supported By Technical Evidence, And Inconsistent With Other Recent Commission Action - March 16, 2012
LightSquared Says FCC’s Proposal Would Undermine Wireless Investment, Create Regulatory Uncertainty - March 16, 2012
LightSquared Says Sprint’s Contract Termination Is in the Best Business Interests of Both Companies - March 6, 2012
LightSquared Announces Extension of Emulation on its SkyTerra-1 Satellite Network for Existing Customers - February 28, 2012
LightSquared Undertakes Search for New CEO; Affirms Intent to Build Wireless Network - February 20, 2012
LightSquared Statement Regarding Inmarsat Notice - February 15, 2012
LightSquared Response to FCC Public Notice - February 14, 2012
LightSquared Remains Committed to Finding Resolution - February 7, 2012
LightSquared Calls on FCC to Initiate Receiver Reliability Standards, Set Level Playing Field for Spectrum Licensees - January 23, 2012
Telecom Ventures Partners with LightSquared to Offer Branded Mobile Broadband Services to Underserved Markets - January 19, 2012
Jolt Mobile Partners with LightSquared to Deliver High-Speed Wireless Data Services to Ethnic Communities - January 18, 2012
Former FCC Chief Engineer and LightSquared Question Validity of Test Results Rigged by GPS Industry Insiders - January 17, 2012
Hometown Telecom to Provide Mobile Broadband Services Using LightSquared’s Network - January 13, 2012
Government Committee’s Refusal to Continue Testing Highlights Systemic Pattern of Bias and Collusion - January 6, 2012
The ISP Store Partners with LightSquared to Deliver Wireless Broadband Services to its Extensive Roster of ISP Customers - January 5, 2012
Broadcore to Run Next-Generation Communications Solutions Over LightSquared’s Network - January 3, 2012
LightSquared Names Marc Montagner Chief Financial Officer - December 23, 2011
Independent Lab Tests Verify High-Precision GPS Devices Can Coexist with LightSquared - December 20, 2011
LightSquared Files Petition for Declaratory Ruling, Asks FCC to Confirm Its Rights as Spectrum Licensee - December 16, 2011
Quantum Networks Partners with LightSquared to Deliver 4G Connectivity - December 14, 2011
Statement from Sanjiv Ahuja, CEO of LightSquared - December 14, 2011
Gateway Communications Services, Inc. to Deliver Branded Wireless Services Using LightSquared’s Wholesale Network - December 9, 2011
Martin Harriman, Executive Vice President of Ecosystem Development and Satellite Business, Issues Statement about Illegal Leak of Testing Data - December 9, 2011
LightSquared Has Now Signed More Than 30 Wholesale Customers - December 8, 2011
LightSquared and Skype Co-Founder’s FreedomPop Partner to Offer Free Broadband Services - December 7, 2011
Testing by World-Renowned Independent Laboratory Shows LightSquared is Compatible with High-Precision GPS Devices - December 6, 2011
Elevate, Inc. Strengthens Services Portfolio with 4G-LTE Wireless Broadband Service from LightSquared - December 1, 2011
LightSquared and Smarter Car to Connect Dealerships and Drivers with Critical Vehicle Information - November 30, 2011
Lawmakers, Technology Experts and Rural Advocates Call on Government to Find Speedy Solution to Spectrum Crunch - November 29, 2011
Cellular Product Distributors and LightSquared Partner to Bundle Hotspot Device and 4G Connectivity - November 28, 2011
EATEL Becomes First Local Exchange Carrier to Partner with LightSquared - November 22, 2011
Soundtracker Turns to LightSquared to Revolutionize the Mobile Music Business - November 9, 2011
LightSquared and Javad GNSS Present Findings of Interference Solution at PNT Advisory Board Meeting - November 8, 2011
Statement by Terry Neal, Senior Vice President Public Relations and Communications at LightSquared - November 8, 2011
Red Pocket Mobile Partners with LightSquared to Deliver No Contract Wireless Data Services to Customers - November 3, 2011
m-banco to Offer Mobile Financial Services Using LightSquared Network - October 27, 2011
Statement by Jeff Carlisle, Executive Vice President for Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy at LightSquared - October 27, 2011
LightSquared and PCTEL Protect High Precision GPS Applications - October 24, 2011
LightSquared Announces Brightstar as Preferred Supply Chain Services Provider - October 13, 2011
LightSquared Shows Filtering Technology - October 12, 2011
LightSquared and Aircado to Bring Wireless Broadband to “Micropolitan” Markets Across the Country - October 10, 2011
LightSquared to Present at the 2011 Deutsche Bank Securities Leveraged Finance Conference - October 5, 2011
LightSquared and CareConnect to Mobilize Seniors - October 3, 2011
LightSquared Announces Collaboration with Sharp® on L-Band Smartphone and Tablet Product Development - October 1, 2011
Statement from Curtis Lu, General Counsel of LightSquared - September 29, 2011
LightSquared Signs Multi-Year Wholesale Agreement with YourTel America - September 27, 2011
Letter from Farming Organizations to Congress in Support of LightSquared and GPS Collaboration - September 26, 2011
LightSquared Signs Multi-Year Wholesale Agreement with AirTouch Communications - September 25, 2011
Open Letter from LightSquared CEO Sanjiv Ahuja - September 22, 2011
LightSquared Chief Financial Officer and Chief Marketing Officer Presented at the Goldman Sachs 20th Annual Communacopia Conference on September 22 - September 21, 2011
LightSquared Announces Simple, Affordable Solution to GPS Interference Issues - September 20, 2011
LightSquared Selects Industry-Leading Systems Integrator and Business Support Systems Vendors to Manage Wholesale Platform - September 12, 2011
LightSquared Signs Multi-Year Wholesale Agreement with VoX Communications - September 6, 2011
LightSquared and Advanta Technologies Announce Long-Term 4G-LTE Wholesale Agreement - August 30, 2011
LightSquared and Simplexity MVNO Services Sign Long-Term 4G-LTE Wholesale Agreement - August 29, 2011
LightSquared and Inmarsat Collaborate to Support Hurricane Irene Emergency Responders - August 23, 2011
LightSquared and InterGlobe Communications Sign Multi-Year 4G-LTE Wholesale Agreement - August 22, 2011
Terry Neal Joins LightSquared as Senior Vice President for Public Relations and Communications - August 15, 2011
LightSquared and EarthComm Solutions Sign Long-Term 4G-LTE Wholesale Agreement - August 11, 2011
From LightSquared: GPS Industry’s Failure to Comply With Department of Defense and International Standards for GPS Receivers Cause of Interference - August 8, 2011
LightSquared and ClearTalk Wireless Announce Bilateral 4G Roaming Agreement - August 4, 2011
LightSquared and PowerNet Global Sign Long-Term 4G-LTE Wholesale Agreement - August 3, 2011
LightSquared Completes Transition of Public Safety Users to SkyTerra 1 Satellite - August 1, 2011
LightSquared Delivers on Promise to Indian Health Service, Tribes and Tribal Organizations - July 28, 2011
Sprint Nextel and LightSquared Announce Spectrum Hosting and Network Services Agreement - July 26, 2011
LightSquared to Invest in Next Generation Push-to-Talk for Public Safety - July 7, 2011
LightSquared Forms Rural Initiative to Ensure LightSquared and GPS Co-Existence - July 5, 2011
LightSquared Secures $265 Million in Additional Financing - June 30, 2011
LightSquared Submits Nationwide Wireless Broadband Plan to FCC - June 28, 2011
LightSquared and netTALK Sign Long Term 4G-LTE Wholesale Agreement - June 20, 2011
LightSquared Solution to GPS Issue Will Clear Way for Nationwide 4G Network - April 21, 2011
LightSquared and SI Wireless Announce They Have Entered Into a Bilateral Roaming Agreement - April 20, 2011
LightSquared and Cellular South Announce They Have Entered Into a Bilateral Roaming Agreement - March 22, 2011
Cricket Enters into 4G Roaming Agreement with LightSquared - March 11, 2011
LightSquared and Open Range Partner to Expand Deployment of Nation’s First 4G LTE Wireless Broadband and Satellite Network to Rural American Communities - March 1, 2011
LightSquared and the United States GPS Industry Council File Their First Joint Report to the Federal Communications Commission - February 22, 2011
LightSquared Announces Additional Financing - February 14, 2011
LightSquared Next-Generation Satellite and Space-Based Network Successfully Completes Post Launch Testing - January 28, 2011
LightSquared Delivers Notice to Inmarsat Triggering Phase 2 of Re-Banding of L-Band Spectrum in North America - January 26, 2011
LightSquared Statement on the Federal Communications Commission Conditional Waiver of the Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) Integrated Service Rule - November 14, 2010
LightSquared Announces the Successful Launch of Next-Generation Satellite - October 19, 2010
LightSquared Announces Redemption of 14 Percent Senior Secured Discount Notes Due 2013 - October 13, 2010
LightSquared Launches Emergency Rapid Response Team - October 7, 2010
LightSquared Announces Chipset Partnership and Initial Device Manufacturers - October 3, 2010
LightSquared Announces Significant Financing - September 29, 2010
LightSquared and the Indian Health Service Partner for Remote Communications for the Indian Health System - August 18, 2010
LightSquared Delivers Notice To Inmarsat Triggering Re-Banding Of L-Band Radio Spectrum In North America - July 20, 2010
Introducing LightSquared: Revolutionizing the U.S. Wireless Industry
Introducing LightSquared: Revolutionizing the U.S. Wireless Industry
News Highlights
- Nokia Siemens Networks signs an 8-year agreement worth $7 billion to deploy, install, operate, and maintain LightSquared network
- First-ever wholesale nationwide 4G-LTE wireless broadband network integrated with satellite coverage allows partners to offer terrestrial-only, satellite-only, or integrated satellite-terrestrial services to their end users
- Telecommunications luminary Sanjiv Ahuja becomes Chairman and CEO, joined by a seasoned management team
- First truly open and net neutral wireless network spurring the development of new wireless devices, applications, and services
- Unique wholesale-only business model avoids conflict of interest with customers
- LightSquared is announcing up to $1.75 billion in additional debt and equity financing
- LightSquared network build-out anticipated to generate more than 100,000 direct and indirect private sector jobs within five years
NEW YORK, N.Y., July 20, 2010 – Today marks the launch of LightSquared™, a new nationwide 4G-LTE wireless broadband network integrated with satellite coverage that will revolutionize communications in the United States. As the nation’s first wholesale-only integrated wireless broadband and satellite network, LightSquared will provide wireless broadband capacity to a diverse group of customers, including retailers; wireline and wireless communication service providers; cable operators; device manufacturers; web players; content providers; and many others. The LightSquared network will allow these partners to offer satellite-only, terrestrial-only, or integrated satellite-terrestrial services to their end users. This wholesale-only business model ensures LightSquared has no conflict of interest with its customers. LightSquared seeks to transform the wireless broadband industry to one that fosters innovation, creativity, and freedom of choice via the first truly open and net neutral wireless network.
The driving force behind LightSquared is Philip Falcone, founder and chief executive officer of Harbinger Capital Partners, who foresaw the explosive demand for wireless broadband connectivity generated by new devices and the mobile Internet. To meet this demand and make his plan a reality, Falcone made several investments through the Harbinger funds, including the acquisition of SkyTerra Communications, Inc., now part of LightSquared.
Falcone said, "The launch of LightSquared marks a significant milestone in the industry and for Harbinger. With a strong management team and a world-class partner to build and manage the network, the business is well positioned to capitalize on key trends; demand for wireless broadband is growing at a rapid pace and there is an increasing need for additional network capacity and reach. Importantly, LightSquared will also make a significant contribution to U.S. job growth and the economy."
Falcone has partnered with telecommunications visionary Sanjiv Ahuja, who will lead the LightSquared team as chairman and chief executive officer. Ahuja brings a successful track record to the new company and will lead the development and nationwide rollout of its network. Ahuja was chief executive officer of the global telecom giant Orange Group from 2004 through 2007, during which Orange’s customer base grew from 48 million to more than 100 million subscribers globally.
“LightSquared will be a disruptive force in the U.S. wireless landscape by democratizing wireless broadband services,” said Ahuja. “We’re not only delivering exciting opportunities for manufacturers and retailers, but also real change for consumers, dealers, and service providers. We’re providing everyone, including underserved communities, with a fast, reliable experience regardless of where they are located in the United States. This network will return our country to its rightful position as a leader in wireless broadband technology and solidify its reputation as the center of global innovation.”
Partner Selected to Manage Network Deployment
Nokia Siemens Networks, a leading supplier of telecommunications equipment and services, has signed an 8-year agreement with LightSquared, subject to final approval by both the Nokia Siemens Networks and the LightSquared boards. The agreement represents more than $7 billion over 8 years, and includes network design, equipment manufacturing and installation, and network operations and maintenance. The nationwide LightSquared network, consisting of approximately 40,000 cellular base stations, will cover 92 percent of the U.S. population by 2015.
“Nokia Siemens Networks is proud to have been selected for the largest-ever outsourced deployment of a wireless network in the United States,” said Rajeev Suri, chief executive officer of Nokia Siemens Networks. “Our organization is prepared and ready to harness our global expertise to enable LightSquared to meet its aggressive rollout schedule.”
Spectrum Assets and Financing
LightSquared controls valuable high quality spectrum assets of 59 Mhz of nationwide spectrum in an advantageous frequency position.
In addition to the $2.9 billion of assets already contributed by Harbinger Capital Partners and affiliates, LightSquared is announcing additional debt and equity financing of up to $1.75 billion.
Management Team
Joining Ahuja on the LightSquared management team are several telecommunications industry veterans. Frank Boulben joins as LightSquared’s chief marketing officer and will oversee strategy, marketing, and partner development. Boulben was previously group commercial director at Vodafone and group chief marketing officer at Orange. He also served on the Board of the GSMA from 2004 to 2006 and was chairman of the Board Strategy Committee. Serving as LightSquared’s general counsel is Curtis Lu, former senior vice president, deputy general counsel, and chief ethics and compliance officer for Time Warner.
Drew Caplan, formerly SkyTerra’s chief network officer, will continue to serve in this capacity for LightSquared. A 25-year veteran of the telecommunications industry, Caplan founded and led Nextel Communications’ national engineering organization, where he was responsible for development, engineering, planning, and deployment of new technologies, products, and services.
Jeff Carlisle will serve as LightSquared’s executive vice president for Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy. Carlisle, who previously served as vice president of Regulatory Affairs for SkyTerra, is responsible for all domestic and international regulatory and policy matters including those at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Congress, the Executive Branch, the ITU, and in foreign markets.
With official appointment set to commence in fall of 2010, LightSquared’s executive management team will also include Martin Harriman as executive vice president of Ecosystem Development and Satellite Business. Harriman will oversee satellite engineering, devices, chipset development, service applications, and partner solutions. Harriman has previously served in senior management positions with Ericsson and was the chief marketing officer of Marconi. Since the first quarter of 2010, Harriman has been acting as an advisor to Harbinger Global Wireless.
Steve Olive will serve as the chief administrative officer and will be responsible for LightSquared’s human resources, procurement, facility management, and internal communications functions. Olive previously served in senior executive positions with France Telecom and for Orange. Since the first quarter of 2010, Olive has been acting as an advisor to Harbinger Global Wireless. Olive’s appointment is also slated to begin in fall of 2010.
Doug Smith will serve as senior vice president, Engineering and Operations for LightSquared and will be responsible for the company’s network design, deployment, and operations. Before joining LightSquared, Smith was senior vice president, Engineering and Operations for Clearwire and has also held senior technical and operations positions at Sprint Nextel and Nextel.
Jeff Snyder will serve as LightSquared’s senior vice president, Satellite Engineering and Operations. Snyder, who previously served as group vice president, Satellite Engineering and Operations for SkyTerra Communications, will be responsible for the management of the procurement, construction, launch, testing, and operation of LightSquared’s next generation satellite network and spacecraft. He previously served as senior vice president for Space and Ground Systems at XM Satellite Radio and prior to that as vice president of Space Systems for Worldspace Corporation.
Dion Oglesby will serve as interim chief financial officer for LightSquared. Oglesby has more than 15 years of experience in restructuring, investment banking, and lending, including as vice president in the High Yield Capital Markets Group of Credit Suisse First Boston.
Impact on Economy and Society
The LightSquared network build-out is anticipated to generate more than 100,000 direct and indirect private sector jobs over the next five years through the build-out, administration, and utilization of the network. As stated in the FCC’s National Broadband Plan, “Broadband can and must serve as a foundation for long-term economic growth, ongoing investment, and enduring job creation.” The LightSquared network will demonstrate the reality of that policy goal.
Building on SkyTerra’s record of public safety services support, LightSquared will continue developing reliable and affordable solutions using its integrated 4G-LTE satellite network.
“LightSquared will help solve some of the communications and public safety issues we’ve seen during recent national disasters, as well as provide connectivity in rural markets where there is currently no reliable wireless communication,” said Ahuja. “By using satellite coverage, we can ensure constant connectivity, even if the terrestrial network is not available.”
About LightSquared
LightSquared’s mission is to revolutionize the U.S. wireless industry. Through the creation of the first-ever wholesale-only nationwide 4G-LTE network complemented by satellite coverage, LightSquared offers people the speed, value, and reliability of universal broadband connectivity, wherever they are in the United States. Through its wholesale-only business model, those without their own wireless network or who have limited geographic coverage or spectrum can develop and sell their own devices, applications, and services using LightSquared’s open 4G network—at a competitive cost and without retail competition from LightSquared.
For further information about LightSquared, please go to www.LightSquared.com.
CONTACTS:
Amy Rosenberg
Burson-Marsteller
Phone: +1 (212) 614-4558
Tom Surface
LightSquared
Phone: +1 (703) 390-1579
Forward Looking Statement:
This release contains forward-looking statements and information regarding LightSquared and its business. Such statements are based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of LightSquared’s management and are, therefore, subject to certain risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements expressed herein relate only to information as of the date of this release. LightSquared has no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release, nor is there any assurance that the plans or strategies discussed in this release will not change.


