FCC's Genachowski: We won't let LightSquared operate without GPS interference resolution

In response to an inquiry from Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) regarding the FCC's actions when it comes to authorizing LightSquared to operate, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski reiterated that the commission won't allow LightSquared to begin commercial service without resolving any potential interference with GPS and also sought to correct what he called two misperceptions surrounding LightSquared's quest to launch a wholesale LTE network.

Sen Grassley has been pressing the FCC since April for information related to the potential interference with GPS and why the FCC granted LightSquared a waiver to operate using terrestrial-only equipment on an accelerated timetable. LightSquared plans to operate in the L-band satellite spectrum, which sits next to GPS spectrum. "As I have stated previously to Congress, the commission will not permit LightSquared to begin commercial service without first resolving the commission's concerns about potential widespread harmful interference to GPS devices," Genachowski wrote. "Under no circumstances would I put at risk our nation's national defense or public safety."