LightSquared accuses US of 'bias and collusion' over 4G test
updated 04:20 pm EST, Sat January 14, 2012
LightSquared insists conspiracy to block its 4G
LightSquared in a hostile message accused US agencies on Friday of "bias and collusion" for finding interference with GPS in LightSquared's proposed 4G LTE network. It argued that the government had made a questionable deal with GPS proponent Trimble for testing that "deliberately" excluded LightSquared from testing. As part of the accusations, it had on Wednesday complained to NASA's Investigator General that Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Advisory Board member Dr. Brad Parkinson was inherently biased against LightSquared as a director of Trimble.
The startup provider went on to suggest that an approval would have been doubtul from the start given the corporate interests involved.
"In retrospect, it was highly unlikely that PNT['s Executive Committee], the Advisory Board and the testing they oversaw would ever be able to deliver on their obligation to provide a fair and unbiased assessment," LightSquared wrote. "Its membership simply has too much at stake."
Officials hadn't responded to the accusations so far.
Almost from the outset, LightSquared has insisted that any interference comes from GPS, not itself. Many GPS mapping devices purportedly overstep their frequency ranges while LightSquared stays inside of its own. It has gone on to suggest a fix that would let LightSquared contiune.
While leveling the unofficial charges against the US government, LightSquared hinted that it might sue, contending that it would "protect its legal rights."
