A new data network arrived on the scene today. LightSquared will be a wholesale only, net-neutral 4G-LTE network that combines with satellite to provide nation-wide broadband wireless access. The aim is to have LTE cover 90% of the population by 2015, with the remainder being covered by satellite.
The key difference here is the “wholesale only” bit. This means that LightSquared won’t be selling it to consumers, only to resellers. The resellers can include anything from ISPs to device manufacturers to game developers, and they can choose to buy either LTE access, satellite access, or access to the two combined. Basically, this means that you can buy a laptop with an included internet connection, or your company will be able to buy wireless internet access for their employees at wholesale prices.
Nokia Siemens Networks will deploy, install, operate, and maintain the network, and have signed a $7 billion agreement lasting 8 years. The project is estimated to create 100,000 jobs in the next 5 years.
For an idea of where LightSquared are coming from, check out their unnaturally optimistic video, below.
What is LightSquared from LightSquared on Vimeo.
[via Press Release]