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LightSquared vs. GPS debate continues

The LightSquared versus GPS debate continued before the House Small Business Committee on Wednesday. LightSquared vice president of regulatory affairs, Jeff Carlisle told the committee construction of the wireless network will support 15,000 jobs a year for the next five years and most of those jobs will be with small businesses. Plus, upon completion, the network will provide affordable broadband access to small businesses.

Meanwhile, more than a dozen farm groups have sent a letter to the Federal Communications Commission requesting additional targeted testing to make sure the LightSquared system will not interfere with Global Positioning Satellite systems. The radio wave spectrum LightSquared will use is right next to the band used by GPS and initial tests found widespread interference. LightSquared says they have fixed the problem, the farm groups want to be sure.

The FCC granted conditional approval to the wireless system last January before the problem was discovered. LightSquared says it can remedy the problem with filters and by using the end of the spectrum furthest from the GPS band. The FCC ordered another round of tests by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to be completed by November 30th. Carlisle says if the FCC does not give the project the green-light after that, LightSquared may take legal action. He says if GPS receivers are picking up signals outside their band, they are not entitled to protection from interference.

Farm groups signing the letter to the FCC were: The American Farm Bureau, American Sugar Alliance, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Cotton Council, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, National Potato Council, National Sunflower Association, U.S. Canola Association, USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council and USA Rice Federation.

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