LightSquared said Best Buy has signed an agreement to use its upcoming 4G network.
LightSquared is mandated by the Federal Communications Commission to build fourth-generation wireless network and also be a neutral wholesaler. The company has to build a network that covers 100 million people by 2012 and 260 million people by 2015.
Speaking at a wireless show in Orlando, Fla, LightSquared CEO Sanjiv Ahuja announced that Best Buy will resell its 4G access, starting with a trial early next year.
Best Buy will sell the 4G service under its own Best Buy Connect brand. The company currently uses Sprint’s network for its 3G mobile broadband data service.
Ahuja said that the deal shows that new entrants can use its 4G services. He said, "It opens up the wireless industry to new entrants who could never before offer wireless service."
Ahuja also said that the company will exceed the targets set by the commission.
LightSquared chief Marketing officer Frank Boulben said the company has already signed a deal with a tablet computers and smartphones maker for using LightSquared’s network.
Boulben added that LightSquared is also in "advanced talks" with a top global consumer electronics company about providing connections for various uses.
"We’re in negotiations for 15 contracts," he said.
