Ligado Unveils Mid-Band 5G Network Plan to FCC

Ligado Networks on Monday implored the FCC to let it move ahead with a plan to utilize its mid-band spectrum increase mobile network capacity and support the roll out of 5G services.

The company’s proposal calls on the FCC to approve the terrestrial deployment of Ligado’s 40 MHz of mid-band spectrum in the 1500 MHz to 1700 MHz range. Ligado has also asked the FCC to set aside the 10 MHz block of spectrum near GPS frequencies for satellite-only use.

Ligado said the deployment of mid-band spectrum would allow for the creation of “a model of at least a partial 5G network – a next-generation, hybrid satellite-terrestrial network – that will enable 5G use cases and mobile applications that require ultra-reliable, highly-secure and pervasive connectivity.”

Ligado said it has already come to agreements with major GPS companies Deere, Garmin and Trimble to set parameters for Ligado’s proposed terrestrial operations, and asked the FCC to modify its licenses to match the terms of those agreements. The company said it has also promised the Federal Aviation Administration it will use power levels that defer to published technical standards related to airline safety and performance.

“We’ve taken all of these steps because we genuinely believe Ligado’s mid-band spectrum is a complementary asset that will fill an essential need in future 5G deployments and will open up profound opportunities to help America maintain its global leadership position in wireless technologies,” Ligado CEO Doug Smith wrote in a Monday blog post.

According to Ligado, the deployment of its mid-band spectrum has the potential to generate between $250 billion to $500 billion in “social welfare benefits” through the advancement of the wireless economy, increase of productivity in the workplace and encouragement of innovation across the industry.

Ligado, formerly known as LightSquared, currently operates a satellite network in the mid-band.

Launched in 2010, LightSquared undertook a failed venture to launch wholesale hybrid terrestrial and satellite broadband network that customers could use to provide LTE services. The company’s plan was blocked by the FCC and LightSquared subsequently filed for bankruptcy in 2012.

The company’s restructuring plan was approved in March 2015, and LightSquared rebranded itself Ligado Networks in February 2016.