Sprint is extending the deadline for LightSquared to gain FCC approval on its proposed LTE network by 30 days. Both companies signed a 15-year agreement this past summer, that was expected to receive the go-ahead from Washington no later than December 31st.
If this partnership gets the thumbs up, the company gets its goal of a nationwide wholesale 4G network to be hosted by Sprint, which can also become helpful to LightSquared’s partners including Best Buy and Leap Wireless. This deal is an important piece to Sprint’s plan of deploying its LTE network.
LightSquared’s 1600MHz spectrum would be a huge addition to The Now Network’s 4G initiatives. With the deadline fast approaching, there is an urgency to get an answer soon from the FCC, as an unfavorable decision could doom Sprint’s aggressive Network Vision. If things don’t work out, the third largest U.S. carrier has spectrum holdings in the 800 / 1900MHz bands and a new agreement with Clearwire.
We can’t find any reason why the Feds would turn this deal down, especially when it can vastly improve Sprint and LightSquared for that matter. Speaking as Sprint customer, I hope it does go through because the service definitely needs some improvement.
[via The Verge]