Once Bankrupt, Tiny Broadband Company Ligado Thrives in the Trump Era

Ligado Networks LLC overcame powerful opposition to its proposed broadband network with some help from inside-the-Beltway figures close to President Donald Trump’s White House. The Reston (VA)-based company prevailed with a costly persuasion campaign overseen by a blue-chip roster of lobbyists and board members. Since emerging from bankruptcy in 2016, Ligado has spent about $7.9 million on lobbying, including more than $2.5 million during 2019. During the first quarter of 2020 alone, Ligado spent $730,000 on its advocacy, a 20% increase over the previous three-month period. Ligado cast its service as a fit with the Trump administration’s push for deploying fast, advanced 5G service -- and doing so ahead of China.