LightSquared Unveils Push-to-Talk Service Plan for Public Safety

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[Satellite TODAY 07-27-11] Wholesale 4G-LTE wireless broadband and satellite network operator LightSquared has unveiled a strategic initiative to provide push-to-talk and other critical communications satellite services to public safety communities, the company announced July 26.

LightSquared’s plan includes steps to replace its the current public safety devices to support older devices through 2014. The company said it would continue to support the Satellite Mutual Aid Radio Talkgroup (SMART) program for public safety agency communications and work to design next-generation devices that meet rugged standards of hostile conditions and environments.

LightSquared also has formed its own Emergency Rapid Response Team, which will travel to troubled areas to assist first responders at the local, tribal, state and federal level with interoperable satellite communications.

“For police, fire and rescue, satellite communications is a critical backstop when traditional networks go down or become overloaded by demand during natural disasters and other emergencies. Public safety depends on satellite communications when other networks fail, and LightSquared’s investment in Push-to-Talk will literally help save lives in coming years,” Virginia State Department of Emergency Management Spokesman Bob Spieldenner said in a statement.