Covington Represents Ligado Networks in Unanimous FCC 5G License Approval

Covington Represents Ligado Networks in Unanimous FCC 5G License Approval

April 22, 2020

WASHINGTON—Covington represented satellite provider Ligado Networks in its successful application for rights to deploy 5G services over its mid-band spectrum.

On April 22, the full Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a unanimous decision approving Ligado’s application, finding that it will advance economic and security interests nationwide. The FCC’s approval follows years of planning and advocacy by Ligado, during which the company took significant steps to address concerns by multiple stakeholders, including GPS users, equipment makers and government agencies. Ligado plans to utilize satellite and terrestrial services to deploy customized private networks instrumental in the transition to a national 5G network and implementation of next-generation IoT solutions for the industrial sector.

In representing Ligado, Covington engaged a multi-practice team to advocate before numerous stakeholders across the federal government. The core FCC team was led by Gerry Waldron and included Ani Gevorkian, Hannah Lepow, Rafael Reyneri, and Corey Walker, with important assistance from Dustin Cho, Matt DelNero, Mace Rosenstein, and Brooke Kahn. 

Brian Smith led efforts before the Federal Aviation Administration, assisted by Ms. Lepow and Ms. Gevorkian.  Beth Brinkmann, Sarah Wilson, Thomas Brugato, Virginia Williamson,  and Kevin King advised on appellate and litigation strategy.  Susan Cassidy, Nooree Lee, and Ryan Burnette helped devise and explain a U.S. Government equipment replacement program that the FCC accepted as a condition on the license.  Samantha Clark, with assistance from Zach Mears, provided important advice and outreach concerning the Department of Defense and the Congressional Armed Services Committees.