This is a July 7, 2011 new release. I do not recall seeing it here.
LightSquared Forms Rural Initiative to Ensure LightSquared and GPS Co-Existence
RESTON, Va., July 7, 2011 - LightSquared™, the nation’s first wholesale-only integrated 4G-LTE wireless broadband and satellite network, announced today the creation of the Empower Rural America Initiative 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:
Work with small cities and rural communities to ensure the deployment of this new satellite and broadband service;
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;
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;
Address the unique 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;
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.
So all they can do is hope someone can find a filter that works and then they can screw up everybody else?
Paul in PA
I was just in a forum at ACSM where Javad says he believes if Lightsquared stays at the lower end of their spectrum and the government stops encrypting the P-Code, users would actually have a better solution than today. So we will see what happens.
Is DoD actually considering ending encryption of the P-code? Interesting.
Thanks for sharing that, if anyone knows about potential compatibility you've gone to the guru for certain.
NOT TO HIJACK but
We had our 35w radio narrow banded to beat the rush. Topcon and our Dealer are now trying to get our Hiper + to work with it. I sure would Like to ask Javad for help. I bet he could solve the problem. The man is the best in Gps that there is.
To be clear the Feds are not proposing to lift the encryption from the P-Code. This was Javad's proposal along with Lightsquared only using the lower side of their spectrum for a solution he thinks is viable. He also stated that if all gets approved as it is today then he and everyone is out of business.
He also stated he has a couple of videos up on his website that explains this solution.
The Lightsquared guy was pretty arrogant IMO, stating this has been around since '05 and the manufacturers have been the ones to not do anything about it. Eric Gakstatter from GPS World on the other hand was pretty adamant that he or any developers he had talked to about this knew nothing until last year.
There is nobody who understands more about GPS receiver design or who has influenced the innovations of GPS than Javad. He would be the best technical "expert witness" for testimony to FCC or whoever is decision maker (Congress if they intervene), to give the straight answer of implications of LtSpeed's proposal. I hope he gets/stays involved and at the forefront.
Lightsquared's "Everyone should have known" claim
Jim Kirkland of Trimble responded to LightSquared's "this has been out since 2005" spin in a 14 June 2011 letter to the FCC. It is definitely worth a read if you are interested in this issue.
That letter points out that it is the responsibility of the FCC to proactively protect "critical government spectrum uses and investments", which obviously includes GPS.
The letter also stresses that until FCC waived the requirement that LightSquared's terrestrial network be integrated with and ancillary to the satellite network it would obviously be in LightSquared's interest to protect the operation of its satellite network and those considerations would also protect GPS.
The ancillary terrestrial components contemplated in 2005 were devices called femtocells (similar to a Wi-Fi access point) and adapter cards similar to Wi-Fi cards - not 1500-W transmitters.
Is a video or audio recording of today's LightSquared Forum available anyplace?
GB
But as I understand it, the DoD announced a sunset for P-Code by 2020 (or at least the order means they do not have to support it after 2020, but the have the option). Much as I like the idea of Mr. Javad's solution (and thank goodeness someone is offering up solutions) that still means an lengthy and expensive transition to new euqipment. And who pays for that? Not Lightsquared. It take the aviation folks many years to get new gear certified. I do not want to see us all have to pay the price for a scheme built on solutions that are not even on the drawing board yet to give LightSquared and Mr. Javad (who really needs to find one right now) or anyone else a market niche.
This is the first time I ever remember a press release containing a disclaimer:
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.
Were They Blowing Smoke For Their Stockholders ?
Lightsquared's announcement was that they had formed an aledged third party committee to solve the problems. Included on this committee are a former Senator and two former Congressmen.
When was the last time a Congessional Committee got anything done?
Paul in PA
Were They Blowing Smoke For Their Stockholders ?
> Lightsquared's announcement was that they had formed an aledged third party committee to solve the problems. Included on this committee are a former Senator and two former Congressmen.
>
> When was the last time a Congessional Committee got anything done?
>
> Paul in PA
For the people?
Or for the corporations?
:-O
