[June 11, 2011] LightSquared interference data piles up, but the bombshell drops next week Tweet (Connected Planet Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Just a few days before a final report on the subject is due to the FCC, more data is emerging showing LightSquared’s proposed long-term evolution (LTE) network will interfere with GPS signals (WSJ: More tests show GPS interference with LightSquared network). This latest batch comes from government testers, not the GPS industry, which may lend more credence to the results. But the report we should really be waiting for is due June 15 from the GPS technical working group formed by LightSquared and GPS industry representatives. That report will provide the most detailed analysis of the LTE networks impact on every manner of GPS receiver from precision avionics equipment to common assisted GPS in mobile phones (Unfiltered: Political pressure increases on LightSquared as first GPS interference data is set to emerge). Based on the several studies that have already emerged from government agencies and the GPS industry, the working group will almost certainly find interference problems with some if not all categories of GPS receivers. But the group is also tasked with identifying solutions to mitigate that interference. Here’s where it gets interesting. Everyone seems to assume that LightSquared’s deployment plans will be shut down due to results of the initial studies, but the real focus should be on the solution that the working group recommends. In a recent interview, Nigel Wright, vice president of wireless for testing and measurement company Spirent, said that the working group will most likely identify some kind of filter that prevent GPS interference or bring it down to manageable levels (CP: The LightSquared Enigma). The question is how expensive such a filter or other fix would be, Wright said. LightSquared will be able to deploy a network it seems, but that network could get awfully expensive. As a wholesale provider, LightSquared has to keep costs low so it can’t afford to deploy a network that costs a premium over what Verizon Wireless or AT&T are paying. © 2011 Penton Media [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]