LightSquared - Action Needed by March 1st

[Administrator]

HELP SAVE OUR GPS!

Please Submit your Comments to the FCC by March 1

Background

We have very important, and encouraging, news to report on the LightSquared saga. On February 15, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a
Public Notice proposing that it:

1) Withdraw the January 2011 waiver that allowed LightSquared to proceed with its planned wireless network; and

2) Modify LightSquared’s satellite license to prohibit LightSquared from building any ground-based wireless network.

This FCC decision was brought about, in large part, by two additional interference studies released by the Federal government on February 14. These reports (http://www.gps.gov/news/2012/02/lightsquared/) clearly demonstrate that LightSquared’s network interferes with GPS and that there are no practical fixes to solve that interference.

This is a great step forward for protecting GPS from interference. But, it is not the final step. The FCC is now seeking public comment on its two proposals, and we need your help. We ask that you write the FCC applauding it for making the two proposals contained in the Public Notice, which if adopted would prohibit LightSquared from buildings its wireless network, and strongly urging the FCC to adopt both proposals. The FCC has asked for public comments by March 1. Although comments can be submitted up until the time that the FCC makes a formal decision on the matter, we urge you to write as soon as possible.

What can I do?

Everyone who cares about GPS should let the FCC know that the facts are now clear -- LightSquared cannot be allowed to move forward. In writing to the FCC, we encourage you to cover the following points in your own words:

- How you use GPS technology in your business and/or personal life.

- What would happen to your business/personal life if GPS became unavailable or unreliable.

- While more capacity for wireless broadband services is important, it should not come at the expense of GPS, which is critical to our country’s economy.

- All of the engineering studies conducted, including those recently released by the government agency in charge of federal radio spectrum management, clearly show that LightSquared’s proposed network causes interference and that there are no remedies to fix this interference.

- The FCC should formally adopt its proposed recommendations and deny LightSquared the authority to offer any ground-based wireless network.

How do I tell the FCC to save GPS?

The FCC has an easy-to-use portal on its website to submit feedback on the Public Notice:

(1) Click on this link for the FCC’s Electronic Comments Filing System (ECFS): http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/upload...e=&filedFrom=X

(2) In the box which says “Proceeding Number,” type: 11-109. It is important to include this docket number with your comments.

(3) In the designated boxes, enter (a) your name or your company’s name, and (b) your mailing address/city/state/zip.

(4) In the box which says “Type in or paste your brief comments,” do so. Click “Continue”.

(5) A review page will load listing all of the information entered. If correct, click “Confirm.” (6) If you have trouble, contact the FCC ECFS Helpdesk at 202-418-0193 or e-mail at ecfshelp@fcc.gov.

[Steve Martin]

EBMUD has our comment letter submitted.

Just browsing thru a handful of the comments submitted there were a lot of comments from boaters using GPS and one comment from a Surveyor.

[dmi]

The cart is being put before the horse. It is outrageous to presume that just because someone wants to use a frequency that they ought to receive this benefit at the expense of the current users. It has never been this way before. Anytime a new radio station or TV station was requesting to be licensed, the burden was on the the requestor of a new license TO PROVE their activities did not interfere with existing users. Why should Lightsquared be given a pass on this long standing rule? I believe that they should not. It is ridiculous to claim existing technology users have done something wrong by not anticipating that some new kid on the block would come along and demand that existing technology be thrown in the trash pile just to accomodate a NEW use on a nearby channel. If they want the channel, then THEY should figure out how to FIT IN.

[RasterMaster]

It is all about politics at this point. We will see if our government does the right thing.

I will not hold my breath.

[Anthony Maffia]

IIRC, the Pentagon nixed the deal. Doesn't hurt that the airplanes would start falling from the sky either.

[Steve Martin]

The LightSquared plan is not quite dead yet. The FCC is asking for Public input before they take action that will keep LightSquared from moving forward. Then it will be a long drawn out lawsuit, I think.

It is amazing how a ton of money and of boatload of lawyers can influence public opinion and public policy.

[RasterMaster]

The only thing in our corrner is the fact LS is running out of money quick, so the lawsuit, I hope is moot.