Says Technology Is 'Too Important' To Not Deploy

Mississippi Republican Congressman Alan Nunnelee said in formal comments to the FCC that it should find a solution that would allow LightSquared to proceed with the deployment of its 4G wireless broadband network despite interference problems with GPS.

In his comments, Nunnelee (pictured) wrote "This technology is too important to the 260 million Americans looking forward to the affordable access that only LightSquared can provide, to close the door at this point, and I urge you to do everything you can to find a solution.”

Nunnelee called the FCC's actions a "huge disappointment" as "the GPS industry scrambles to keep LightSquared out of its own licensed spectrum." He said the burden to find new spectrum for LightSquared should fall on the FCC if the interference problem cannot be resolved.

The Hill reports that other officials who are siding with the wireless company include three Mississippi state representatives, and county officials from Miami, OH, and Beattyville, KY. The move to block LightSquared is supported by the National Association of Manufacturers, American Congress on Surveying and Mapping, the National Society of Professional Surveyors and the Georgia Cotton Commission.

The deadline for filing comments with the FCC on the matter closed Friday.

FMI: www.fcc.gov