R. PHILIP SHIME
January 12, 2012
Ms. Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20554
Dear Ms. Dortch:
As West Virginia works to diversify its economy, the lack of available
broadband infrastructure deters investment by many businesses. The integrated
wireless broadband and satellite network proposed by Lightsquared would improve
this situation by eliminating the barriers to access within rural communities.
While GPS manufacturers have expressed trepidation over potential
interference, these concerns can be addressed. Government testing results found that
LightSquared's network is compatible with the nation's 300 million cellular phones.
And a number of well-known GPS manufacturers have developed filter and antenna
solutions that fIx interference problems for high-precision GPS devices.
The launch of Lightsquared's network could mean both jobs and growth for
West Virginia. However, GPS also contributes signifIcantly to commerce and public
safety and should be protected. Please work with both of these important industries
to develop a solution that allows both GPS and Lightsquared's wireless network to co
exist for the benefit West Virginians.
Sincerely,
R. Philip Shimer
1428 VIRGINIA STRl:£ . EA~I'
CH A J LbTO . WV 2530]