US mobile operator MetroPCS is considering a partnership with the satellite/terrestrial venture LightSquared, according to media reports.
Rethink Wireless reported today that MetroPCS’s CFO, Brandon Carter, told the Morgan Stanley TMT Conference that a…
US mobile operator MetroPCS is considering a partnership with the satellite/terrestrial venture LightSquared, according to media reports.
Rethink Wireless reported today that MetroPCS’s CFO, Brandon Carter, told the Morgan Stanley TMT Conference that a partnership with LightSquared would be a wonderful opportunity for MetroPCS.
LightSquared is in the process of rolling out its LTE network in the US, which involves the building of a network of base stations throughout the country. The venture plans to operate exclusively on a wholesale basis.
But it faces stiff competition from competing cablecos like AT&T and Verizon, who are developing their own LTE networks, as well as Clearwire, which is focusing on a WiMax network.
In February, LightSquared secured a US$586m loan to support this rollout. The deal brought the total amount of debt and equity it had secured in the past seven months to US$2bn.
There were also reports in February that LightSquared was planning to use the equipment and cell sites of telco Sprint Nextel as a part of the development of its ground infrastructure.
Rethink Wireless also reports rumours that LightSquared is in wholesale talks with T-Mobile.
LightSquared and MetroPCS did not reply to questions before the press deadline.
