LightSquared, a new nationwide 4G-LTE (News - Alert) wireless broadband network integrated with satellite coverage in the US, was recently launched. LightSquared will provide wireless broadband capacity to a diverse group of customers, including retailers, wireline and wireless communication service providers; cable operators; device manufacturers; web players; content providers; and many others.

The LightSquared network will allow these partners to offer satellite-only, terrestrial-only, or integrated satellite-terrestrial services to their end users. This wholesale-only business model ensures LightSquared has no conflict of interest with its customers.

Philip Falcone, founder and CEO of Harbinger Capital Partners, said, "The launch of LightSquared marks a significant milestone in the industry and for Harbinger. Demand for wireless broadband is growing at a rapid pace and there is an increasing need for additional network capacity and reach. Importantly, LightSquared will also make a significant contribution to U.S. job growth and the economy."

Falcone has partnered with telecommunications visionary Sanjiv Ahuja, who will lead the LightSquared team as chairman and CEO. Ahuja was CEO of the global telecom giant Orange (News - Alert) Group from 2004 through 2007, during which Orange's customer base grew from 48 million to more than 100 million subscribers globally.

"LightSquared will be a disruptive force in the U.S. wireless landscape by democratizing wireless broadband services," said Ahuja. "We're not only delivering exciting opportunities for manufacturers and retailers, but also real change for consumers, dealers, and service providers. We're providing everyone, including underserved communities, with a fast, reliable experience regardless of where they are located in the United States. This network will return our country to its rightful position as a leader in wireless broadband technology and solidify its reputation as the center of global innovation."

Building on SkyTerra's record of public safety services support, LightSquared will continue developing reliable and affordable solutions using its integrated 4G-LTE satellite network.

"LightSquared will help solve some of the communications and public safety issues we've seen during recent national disasters, as well as provide connectivity in rural markets where there is currently no reliable wireless communication," Ahuja continued. "By using satellite coverage, we can ensure constant connectivity, even if the terrestrial network is not available."

Nokia Siemens (News - Alert) Networks, a leading supplier of telecommunications equipment and services, has signed an 8-year agreement with LightSquared, pending final approval by both boards. The agreement represents more than $7 billion over 8 years, and includes network design, equipment manufacturing and installation, and network operations and maintenance. The nationwide LightSquared network, consisting of approximately 40,000 cellular base stations, will cover 92 percent of the U.S. population by 2015.

"Nokia (News - Alert) Siemens Networks is proud to have been selected for the largest-ever outsourced deployment of a wireless network in the United States," said Rajeev Suri (News - Alert), CEO of Nokia Siemens Networks. "Our organization is prepared and ready to harness our global expertise to enable LightSquared to meet its aggressive rollout schedule."

Specifically, LightSquared will offer landline and satellite-based voice and data service in the second half of 2011 to retailers and cable operators in Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver and Baltimore, according to various news reports.