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LightSquared signs roaming agreement with ClearTalk, thumbs nose at industry opposition

For a nascent LTE network beset by GPS interference troubles, LightSquared's rolling right along, snatching up new clients for its wholesale service. The Phil Falcone-backed wireless upstart's just inked a roaming agreement with Flat Wireless' ClearTalk that'll extend nationwide coverage to customers in the small operator's footprint. The deal is the latest in a string ofpartnerships for the LTE wholesaler that'll see its 4G network roll-out to mostly rural and underserved markets -- barring any industry-mounted obstacles. Behind-the-scenes drama aside, it looks like the company's taking a business as usual approach to its much contested launch. Full PR after the break.

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LightSquared and ClearTalk Wireless Announce Bilateral 4G Roaming Agreement

RESTON, Va., August 8, 2011 - LightSquared™, the nation's first wholesale-only integrated 4G-LTE wireless broadband and satellite network, and ClearTalk Wireless, a leading provider of flat-rate wireless phone services in the Southwest and West, have entered into a 4G bilateral roaming agreement.

This agreement will provide ClearTalk with a nationwide 4G-LTE network that will enable the company to offer advanced broadband services to their customers. Additionally, LightSquared's integrated satellite network will provide connectivity in rural communities in states served by ClearTalk, including Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas.

"ClearTalk is committed to providing our customers with the latest in high-speed broadband services," said ClearTalk chief executive officer Kevin Beierschmitt. "This agreement extends a national, reliable, state-of-the-art 4G-LTE network throughout the ClearTalk service area. Our customers deserve great broadband services, and we are delivering these services to them."

"We are thrilled to partner with ClearTalk to deliver advanced 4G-LTE and satellite services to their rapidly growing subscriber base," said Sanjiv Ahuja, chairman and chief executive officer of LightSquared. "A growing number of operators such as ClearTalk are leveraging LightSquared's wholesale-only nationwide network to attract new subscribers in both Tier 2 and underserved areas with reasonable rates and innovative services."