Qualcomm, which recently conceded its Flo TV service isn't a workable idea, has signed up to play with another player whom some believe has an unworkable idea: LightSquared. The chipmaker said it has "developed an advanced satellite air interface technology" that makes its LTE chips compatible with the L-Band satellite technology being used by LightSquared.
Also on tap for the company that is aggressively pursuing the build out of another nationwide wireless network, is a deal with Nokia to build "branded, data-centric products" for its anticipated customers. This is hardly a surprise since Nokia Siemens Networks' has the rich contract to build out LightSquared's networks.
So why should cable care? As the industry's 4G venture with Clearwire (Nasdaq: CLWR) gets shakier by the moment (Clearwire needs more money, cable's not ponying up), LightSquared's 4G wholesale network becomes an attractive alternative. It, like the whole LightSquared venture, is worth watching.
For more:
- see this news release
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