LightSquared, FCC face criticism from Republican lawmakers

The Federal Communications Commission’s initial approval of a troubled satellite venture came under fresh criticism as Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) questioned whether the agency’s actions could lead to billions of dollars in costs for taxpayers.

LightSquared is trying to build a cellphone network out of satellites, but the technology interferes with Global Positioning System technology used by pilots, consumers and meteorologists. LightSquared wants the military and other federal agencies to refit its equipment with filters. But the cost to the government could be substantial, officials have said. And in a letter to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, Sen Grassley questioned whether the agency considered that cost when it allowed LightSquared to take the next step in its plan in January. “At no point has the FCC addressed who will pay to retrofit every single federal, state, and local government GPS receiver, which will require a filter as a result of interference” caused by LightSquared’s network, wrote Sen Grassley.