Ligado is a mobile satellite network operator providing mission critical services throughout North America to enterprise, public safety, and industrial end users.
Ligado received approval from the FCC to offer both satellite and terrestrial network services with its mid-band spectrum. Working with a number of vendors, Ligado is developing technical and commercial plans to support flexible use of the Ligado band for standards-based satellite and terrestrial 5G services.
Ligado plans to deploy 40 MHz of licensed, mid-band spectrum to serve critical infrastructure sectors and accelerate 5G networks in the United States. Ligado’s approach to technology and network deployment will serve key industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, commercial transportation, utilities, and many more.
Ligado’s plans will accelerate communications systems for consumers and businesses across this country. Ligado is the only company that would have the ability to support both a satellite and terrestrial wireless network operations in the U.S. That type of service is a one-of-its-kind offering for critical industries that are desperate for ubiquitous and reliable connectivity.
Mid-band spectrum, generally considered as 1 GHz to 6 GHz, provides both favorable propagation characteristics and considerable bandwidth, making it a critical component of America’s strategy to win the race to 5G. Unlike other mid-band spectrum in the pipeline, Ligado’s lower mid-band spectrum at 1-2 GHz is “greenfield,” meaning it is unencumbered by legacy services and is ready to be deployed immediately. At a time when mid-band spectrum in the U.S. is scarce, ensuring the efficient use of all available mid-band spectrum is paramount. Ligado’s lower mid-band spectrum is primed for swift deployment to meet America’s 5G needs.
First, Ligado Networks already has its spectrum licenses and authorizations for both MSS (mobile satellite service) and ATC (ancillary terrestrial service) service. The application before the FCC asked that the FCC modify Ligado’s existing spectrum licenses in accordance with the agreements entered into by Ligado and GPS manufacturers. Since December 2015, federal regulators had been considering this application to modify Ligado’s licenses and unlock 40 MHz of mid-band greenfield spectrum that the wireless industry universally agrees is critical to unlocking the potential of 5G and maintaining America’s role as the world’s undisputed technology leader. That application was finally approved in April of 2020. With a green light from the government, Ligado has begun working to deploy L-band spectrum to meet the current and future needs of American industries, leading to significant private investment and thousands of new American jobs.
Ligado’s spectrum can help accelerate 5G deployment in the United States, unlocking the 5G economy which will create 3 million new jobs, $500 billion in economic growth, and $275 billion in new investment. Ligado will invest in American infrastructure industries and generate thousands of American jobs across urban and rural districts in all 50 states. Ligado’s path forward supports the next generation of 5G networks for U.S. industries while accelerating the commercialization of tougher, more resilient and more sophisticated receivers worthy of America’s military and critical infrastructure.
Yes, Ligado’s plan protects GPS. Ligado reached technical operating agreements with the five leading GPS manufacturers, working directly with each company to find a solution that meets their needs. The resulting agreements ensure that GPS is protected and can continue to operate in neighboring frequencies without harmful interference. Ligado also voluntarily relinquished 10 MHz of terrestrial spectrum, creating a 23 MHz guard band for GPS devices. Moreover, Ligado committed to replacing or upgrading any government devices that are still affected. Ligado lowered its maximum power levels by 99 percent to levels consistent with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) assessments to protect certified aviation devices from interference.
Ligado’s spectrum is greenfield, meaning it is unencumbered by legacy services and is ready to be deployed immediately. Now that the company has received approval, Ligado will invest in American infrastructure industries and generate thousands of American jobs across urban and rural districts in all 50 states. Ligado’s path forward supports the next generation of 5G networks for U.S. industries while accelerating the commercialization of tougher, more resilient and more sophisticated receivers worthy of America’s military and critical infrastructure.