L Band Will Help Carriers Address Uplink Needs: Ligado Chief

Ligado expects major wireless carriers to have continuing mid-band spectrum needs after last year’s C-band and the upcoming 3.45 GHz auction, CEO Doug Smith said during a Wireless Infrastructure Association webinar Wednesday. Part of that will be addressed by Ligado’s L band, he said. “There will be a shortage of uplink spectrum,” he predicted. “Not all spectrum works the same,” he said, noting 3.45 and C band are “great for capacity … and downlink speeds,” but the 1.6 GHz L band is better for uplink. Smith said that based on current trends, uplink traffic will continue to increase relative to downlink. “Where we are headed as an industry is to get the most out of every megahertz of spectrum that we have,” he said. Ligado has largely gotten past regulatory challenges, Smith said. “It was a long and thorough process” at the FCC, he said. “That was all necessary. It all led to last year’s 5-0 unanimous vote. … It’s unfortunate that some continue to question it.” If any new issue emerges, “we’ll address that too,” he said. Smith also sees a growing market for private networks. “We’re just getting started,” he said: “We have a good amount of spectrum and we are willing to put it to use specifically for a customer.” Some companies want full control of a network “and we can provide that,” he said. Ligado plans investments in infrastructure, including tower leases, fiber and backhaul, he said. “As we deploy our spectrum, it has to get on the infrastructures,” he said. The L band will play a role in reaching unserved areas, Smith said. He sees both “a tremendous amount” of collocations and new builds. “We have to play in all geographies,” he said. “A new carrier is music to the ears of my members who own infrastructure,” said WIA President Jonathan Adelstein, who interviewed Smith.