Reston, Va. – LightSquared, the wholesale-only integrated
4G-LTE wireless broadband and satellite network, announced today the creation
of the Empower Rural America Initiative to Ensure LightSquared and GPS
co-existence.
Led by an advisory board that includes former Senator Byron
Dorgan of North Dakota and former Representatives George Nethercutt of
Washington and Charlie Stenholm of Texas, the group will partner with
LightSquared to:
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work with small cities and rural communities to
ensure the deployment of this new satellite and broadband service;
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work with LightSquared and other parties to make
sure device filters and other approaches are developed that will resolve any
GPS issues related to precision agriculture and other areas;
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ensure that LightSquared’s integrated satellite
network can help rural markets augment their broadband and GPS services to
provide greater accuracy and continuity of service;
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address the public safety concerns of small
towns and rural communities by making the deployment of satellite communications
services available to assist people in these areas in the
event of a disaster, such as tornadoes, floods or other service disruptions to
traditional communications systems; and
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help close the broadband adoption gap in rural
America. Broadband is critical to rural areas where it can create jobs,
contribute to economic development and introduce innovations in education,
healthcare and public safety, Lightsquared said.
“There is an overwhelming need for reliable wireless
broadband for public safety, education, healthcare and economic development in
rural America. We can have a robust, accurate GPS network and also create a
substantial new resource for rural America in the form of a wireless
network that reaches areas that still don’t have broadband access,” said Dorgan.
“LightSquared is honored to be working with such a highly
respected and devoted group of public servants. The collective wisdom of this
advisory board will play a critical role in LightSquared’s efforts to deliver
world-class wireless broadband service to the underserved populations of rural
America,” said Sanjiv Ahuja, chairman/CEO of LightSquared.
During the recent bout of violent tornadoes, LightSquared’s
services were used by first responders and public safety officials to
communicate after cellular services were disrupted by the storms.
Citing these efforts, Stenholm said, “LightSquared’s ability
to provide fast and effective communication services for public safety and
emergency response can provide a much needed life line for small and rural
communities in the tornado belt and other areas of rural America that are flood
prone.”
