LightSquared, the new company backed by Harbinger Capital Partners that is building a nationwide LTE + satellite wholesale network, announced agreements with Qualcomm, Nokia two additional suppliers of wireless devices -- AnyDATA and BandRich.
Qualcomm is integrating L-Band LTE technology in its mainstream chipset roadmap and has developed a satellite air interface technology. The Enhanced Geostationary Air Link (EGAL) enables the satellite mode of operation in mobile devices. These technologies will be integrated into silicon, including Qualcomm's MDM9600 chipset, which is an LTE multi-mode solution.
Nokia will supply branded, data-centric products for LightSquared customers. AnyDATA and BandRich will 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.
In addition, the board of directors of both Nokia Siemens Networks and LightSquared recently approved the 8-year, $7 billion agreement for Nokia Siemens Networks to deploy, install, operate and maintain the LightSquared nationwide network. 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.
http://www.lightsquared.com
- Earlier this month, LightSquared announced the closing of an additional $850 million in financing through a credit facility led by UBS AG. With this, LightSquared has obtained an aggregate of more than $2 billion in equity and debt proceeds and in commitment.
- In July, LightSquared unveiled its plans to launch a wholesale-only, 4G-LTE network across the U.S. complemented by satellite coverage. LightSquared will provide wholesale 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.
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