Analysts say the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will be a lot more careful with future decisions on broadband networks in the wake of the LightSquared controversy, The Washington Post reports.
The FCC reversed its decision to grant LightSquared conditional approval for a terrestrial-only version of its North American broadband service after a government report found “there is no practical way to mitigate potential interference” with GPS applications. Some Republican lawmakers believe LightSquared was given special treatment because of its political connections.
Analysts say the agency will give greater scrutiny to future projects, including Dish Network’s efforts to get a mobile network running using its satellites. “The LightSquared experience gives the FCC even more reason to do its due diligence … to make sure there won’t be any unwelcome surprises,” David Kaut, an analyst at Stifel Nicolaus, said.