LightSquared Analysis Finds Interfere With GPS and Aviation; No Cell Phone Interference

The government technical group reviewing tests of LightSquared's impact on cell phones and GPS devices says its preliminary analysis shows that the LightSquared signals caused harmful interference to the majority of general purpose receivers. Meanwhile, a separate analysis by the FAA found interference to a system that warns pilots of approaching terrain -- like mountains and the ground. The tests found no significant interference to cell phones, however.

The National Telecommunications & Information Administration will use the final report to make recommendations to the Federal Communications Commission on whether to lift the hold on the service. The FCC conditioned the waiver it gave LightSquared to launch a wholesale broadband wireless network on that network not interfering with GPS service. Those preliminary findings were presented to a group representing the nine federal agencies that make up the National Executive Committee for Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing, which will complete the analysis.