Posts by accord1999

LightSquared hits FCC right where it hurts

Re: Lightsquared = Dillusional [sic]

In the 2005 ruling, the FCC also stated:

"We clarify that “integrated service” as used in this proceeding and required by 47 C.F.R. §25.149(b)(4) forbids MSS/ATC operators from offering ATC-only subscriptions. We reiterate our intention not to allow ATC to become a stand-alone system. The purpose of ATC is to enhance MSS coverage, enabling MSS operators to extend service into areas that they were previously unable to serve, such as the interiors of buildings and high-traffic density urban areas. We will not permit MSS/ATC operators to offer ATC-only subscriptions, because ATC systems would then be terrestrial mobile systems separate from their MSS systems. We therefore clarify that “integrated service” as used in this proceeding and required by 47 C.F.R. § 25.147(b)(4) forbids MSS/ATC operators from offering ATC only subscriptions."

Which basically forbid what LS is trying to do. And while the FCC did not provide a hard cap on stations (believing that the economics of satellite communications would naturally limit it to a small number), ATC deployment was always subject to Federal regulations CFR 25.255

"If harmful interference is caused to other services by ancillary MSS ATC

operations, either from ATC base stations or mobile terminals, the MSS

ATC operator must resolve any such interference. If the MSS ATC operator

claims to have resolved the interference and other operators claim that

interference has not been resolved, then the parties to the dispute may

petition the Commission for a resolution of their claims.""

No, a part of the GPS community worked with LightSquared's predecessor in developing ground transmitters for its Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) to be used for fill-in as part of primary satellite service in the past. By FCC rulings, ATC was forbidden from being used to create a stand-alone terrestrial network.

However, LightSquared managed to find contacts within the FCC and plotted together to sneak through their terrestrial network under the radar, attempting to make an end-run against existing rules and procedures. However, the key waiver to allow terrestrial only service was noted and resulted in the protest of the whole of the GPS community, as well as virtually the rest of the Federal Government due to the virtual certainty of interference.

Despite this, the FCC still generously allowed LS the opportunity to still go ahead to re-purpose their satellite spectrum for terrestrial use, which would have resulted in an multi-billion dollar windfall for LS, if they could show no interference to GPS.

LightSquared scrabbles to save itself after FCC stops LTE plan

Re: If a car strikes you on the shoulder of the road

You almost have it right. However, in this case LightSquared would be the car operating outside of the law, seeing as how it has no legal right to setup a stand-alone terrestrial network and under Federal Regulations CFR 25.255, ground transmitters operated by LightSquared cannot interfere with other users:

"If harmful interference is caused to other services by ancillary MSS ATC operations, either from ATC base stations or mobile terminals, the MSS ATC operator must resolve any such interference. If the MSS ATC operator claims to have resolved the interference and other operators claim that interference has not been resolved, then the parties to the dispute may petition the Commission for a resolution of their claims."

http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?type=simple;c=ecfr;cc=ecfr;idno=47;region=DIV1;q1=25;rgn=div5;sid=7002a7770b4cdaf775b55914c0f87c4d;view=text;node=47%3A2.0.1.1.4#47:2.0.1.1.4.3.41.33

Re: Can someone please explain

For some high precision receivers, they do listen for a signal outside of the GPS band. But they do so because they are using GPS correction services that pay satellite companies like LightSquared to broadcast them. So they are perfectly legitimate, legal and licensed. These receivers are heavily affected since they were listening for a weak satellite signal and now get a strong terrestrial one.

For other GPS receivers, they do not listen in the LS spectrum. However, because brickwall filters don't exist in real-life, at the power level that LS is broadcasting at, these GPS receivers are forced to hear the unwanted LS signal and causing interference.

LightSquared blasts GPS naysayers in FCC letter

GLONASS and Galileo

Galileo's frequency is very similar to GPS while GLONASS's frequency is very close to the proposed Lightsquared handset frequencies so they will be impacted in America as well.

AT&T and Verizon

AT&T and Verizon are barely involved in the fight. LightSquared's main opponents are companies like John Deere, Trimble and Garmin, as well as the FAA and the Department of Defense, among many many opponents.

Military response to LightSquared

Testing has shown that military receiver are also affected and they have already commented in Congressional hearings. You can read it here:

http://www.pnt.gov/public/2011/06/hearing/takai.pdf