LightSquared Complains to NASA OIG over GPS Advisory Board
LightSquared cries foul over GPS advisory board, Reuters
“Telecom startup LightSquared is asking for an investigation of a possible conflict of interest by a member of an advisory board that has already warned against its technology because of interference with the global positioning system. LightSquared, which needs government approval of its high-speed wireless technology by the end of the month to keep its major partner on board, lodged its probe request with NASA Inspector General Paul Martin late Wednesday. The petition charges that Bradford Parkinson, sometimes referred to as the father of GPS, serves as vice chairman of the National Space-Based Position, Navigation, and Timing Advisory Board while also a director for Trimble Navigation Ltd, which makes GPS equipment and has been a vocal opponent of LightSquared’s network. Lightsquared said Parkinson may have violated a federal conflict of interest law and ethics regulations.”
This Lightsquared encroachment on vital GPS frequency slots has not been given the news media attention it deserves. The public— grown wholly dependent on GPS technology whether they realize it or not —would throw Lightsquared over the rail, if they only knew.
What’s more important?— public safety , streamlined commerce , vital data , emergency service, not to mention the convenience of GPS in our social fabric these days — or just another startup telecom company ? ( Don;t get me going on how splendid the telecos have treated their valued customers in America. We need to definitely re-regulate the wireless industry to rein in their greed and callousness ).
The merits of conserving and protecting GPS bandqwidth are sufficient in and of themselves. Lightsquared should not be allowed to use those frequencies. Q.E.D.
I agree; Lightspeed’s strategy does not seem optimal.
I think Dewdle hit the nail on the head — essential GPS services versus yet another wireless startup. It’s a no brainer, especially when you consider that 10 years from now most of these new wireless startups will have been acquired by the big boys and there will probably only be a dozen or so wireless companies left, competing on price and unconscious when it comes to customer service.
The issue that bothers me most is that it’s been obvious that this sort of bandwidth encroachment was inevitable at some point, but the regulatory agencies took no steps to head it off, but rather waited for the problem to happen. This, unfortunately is typical of the regulatory agencies, particularly in the US.
Steve
Regardless of the potential frequency issues and LightSquared’s startup efforts, it sounds like a conflict of interest could exist in this individual’s dual involvement. Of course, it is all too common for someone on an advisory board or regulatory committee to be involved with a company under the purview of that board/committee. Ethics always takes a back seat to profit and peddling influence.
I’m also with Dewdle – this startup wouldn’t last 5 minutes after an extensive dissection on 60 Minutes or 20/20. Ridiculous.
It is unlikely that opposing LightSquared’s network will lead to a boost in Trimble’s sales – given that they are in different markets – so I don’t see the conflict of interest there.
On the other hand, if approved, LightSquared’s network could well have a negative impact on Trimble’s sales. If that’s where the conflict of interest lies, isn’t that a tacit admission by LightSquared that their network will have a negative impact on GPS services more generally?