MEDIA RELEASE PR41641
LightSquared Announces Chipset Partnership and Initial Device Manufacturers
RESTON, Va., Oct. 7 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
- Qualcomm to develop mainstream chipsets enabling a diverse device
ecosystem
- Nokia to create products that access the LightSquared network
- Two additional suppliers of wireless devices - AnyDATA and BandRich
announced
- LightSquared and Nokia Siemens Networks Boards approve 8-year, US$7
billion network outsourcing agreement
LightSquared(TM), the nation's first wholesale-only integrated wireless
broadband and satellite network, today announced that Qualcomm Incorporated
is integrating L-Band LTE technology in its mainstream chipset roadmap.
Qualcomm has also developed an advanced satellite air interface technology
called EGAL (Enhanced Geostationary Air Link), which enables the satellite
mode of operation in mobile devices. Qualcomm is adding L-Band LTE/and EGAL
to standard Qualcomm products, including its MDM9600(TM) chipset - the
world's first LTE multi-mode solution.
"We are pleased to collaborate with LightSquared," said Peggy Johnson,
executive vice president of the Americas and India, Qualcomm. "Device
manufacturers will be able to use our latest MDM9600 chipsets to create
integrated cellular-satellite products that are similar to today's typical
mobile devices in terms of size, capabilities, and build costs."
Initial Device Manufacturers
LightSquared also announced today that Nokia, the world's leader in
mobile communications, will provide branded, data-centric products for
LightSquared customers in support of Nokia Siemens Networks' infrastructure
build-out for LightSquared's network.
Two leading suppliers of wireless communications technology, AnyDATA and
BandRich, have been selected by LightSquared to provide embedded modules, USB
data modems, and other devices which will launch during the second half of
2011. The AnyDATA modem will utilize industry standard USB 2.0 interface,
while the module will be mini-PCIE form factor to simplify interface with
netbooks, notebooks, tablets, and portable computing devices.
Network Agreement Approved
Additionally, LightSquared disclosed that both the Nokia Siemens Networks and
LightSquared boards of directors recently approved the 8-year, $7 billion agreement
for Nokia Siemens Networks to deploy, install, operate and maintain the LightSquared
nationwide network. The agreement, the largest of its kind for
the U.S. wireless industry, was first announced on July 20 of this year.
The LightSquared network, anticipated to consist of approximately 40,000
cellular base stations, is expected to cover 92 percent of the U.S.
population by the end of 2015.
Both companies have begun initial operations to build the network
including site acquisitions and the development of LTE base station
equipment.
"LightSquared is fully committed to meeting and exceeding the schedule we
have set to rollout the nation's first-ever wholesale-only 4G-LTE wireless
broadband network," said Sanjiv Ahuja, chairman and chief executive officer
of LightSquared. "Our agreements with these leading wireless communications
companies are all very significant commitments to our network ecosystem and
demonstrate their strong support for the LightSquared business model."
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.
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.
SOURCE: LightSquared
CONTACT: Amy Rosenberg, Burson-Marsteller,
+1-212-614-4558 or
Tom Surface, LightSquared,
+1-703-390-1579
NEWS 
