LightSquared and the Indian Health Service Partner for Remote Communications for the Indian Health System

RESTON, Va., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- LightSquared™, the nation's first wholesale-only integrated wireless broadband and satellite network and the Indian Health Service (IHS), the lead federal agency to serve health needs of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) persons, announce the signing of an agreement through which LightSquared will donate satellite phones and associated service for use in AI/AN communities.  All satellite phones will come with service provided free of charge through 2020 to address the lack of reliable telecommunications connectivity which often plagues Tribal communities.

To kickoff this nationwide effort, LightSquared and IHS staff are working together to develop communication and deployment plans which incorporate tribal governments' input for the satellite phones.  They anticipate establishing a pilot program for initial deployment of satellite equipment and service later this fall with the IHS Albuquerque Area Office that serves four hospitals, 11 health centers and 12 field clinics located in New Mexico, Colorado and Texas. The use of mobile satellite phones will expand levels of connectivity to ensure that vital health services are fulfilled in underserved communities.  

"The lack of ubiquitous telephone connectivity, let alone broadband, for residents of these Tribal communities is highly regrettable, and we commend FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski for shining the spotlight on this serious issue," said Sanjiv Ahuja, chief executive officer of LightSquared. "Our goal is to deliver the benefits of modern communications to people who have little or no access and bolster their ability to provide potentially lifesaving services to their fellow citizens."

LightSquared, which includes the satellite services assets of the former SkyTerra Communications, has a history of providing communications services for improved connectivity in Native American Tribal communities.  Through its business partnerships LightSquared provides equipment and services to Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement vehicles and to school buses operating on Tribal lands in New Mexico and Arizona.

With a similar focus on communities in need, the company has delivered essential services to the areas of Louisiana hardest hit by the destruction in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.  Most recently the company collaborated with Inmarsat to provide relief organizations in Haiti with access to mobile satellite services, including voice and broadband. This helped relief organizations coordinate emergency operations and allowed survivors to communicate with loved ones.

LightSquared will provide up to 2,000 satellite phones and service to this project, depending on the requirements of IHS.

About LightSquared

LightSquared's mission is to revolutionize the U.S. wireless industry. Through the creation of the first-ever wholesale-only nationwide 4G-LTE network complemented by satellite coverage, LightSquared offers people the speed, value, and reliability of universal broadband connectivity, wherever they are in the United States. Through its wholesale-only business model, those without their own wireless network or who have limited geographic coverage or spectrum can develop and sell their own devices, applications, and services using LightSquared's open 4G network—at a competitive cost and without retail competition from LightSquared.

For further information about LightSquared, please go to www.LightSquared.com.

Forward Looking Statement:

This release contains forward-looking statements and information regarding LightSquared and its business. Such statements are based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of LightSquared's management and are, therefore, subject to certain risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements expressed herein relate only to information as of the date of this release. LightSquared has no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release, nor is there any assurance that the plans or strategies discussed in this release will not change.

SOURCE LightSquared