After completing a 3 billion dollar constellation transformation that will enable an even wider range of satellite-based capabilities, Iridium has already invested heavily in a new era of technological innovation and growth in this unprecedented time. Unfortunately, the FCC’s Order relies on speculative commitments made by Ligado and would allow it to cause concrete harm. Our partners – and the services procured by entities who use our service – rely on a stable spectrum environment necessary to confirm protection of their operations so we want to ensure that remains the case. We note the significant concerns raised by bipartisan Members of Congress, the Department of Defense, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Commerce, eleven other federal agencies, the aviation industry, defense contractors, and many more throughout the private sector over the FCC’s approval of Ligado’s applications. A diverse array of independent experts has consistently concluded that the FCC’s decision is likely to cause harmful interference to critical systems that ensure the safety of airline passengers, America’s warfighters and many others. The FCC needs to hit the pause button and take a more thoughtful approach.
Statement, May 6, 2020