Proposed LTE wholesale network LightSquared has said the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decision to withdraw its support of the proposed network is “legally unprecedented” and inconsistent with previous actions. The ruling by the FCC effectively revokes LightSquared’s licence to operate, the company said, and “is entirely unsupported by the law, science, and FCC policy and precedent.”

LightSquared said the FCC’s view on its network is “wholly inconsistent” with the proposed assignment of new spectrum to Dish, which also has a terrestrial network that has raised interference concerns. It added that as it is “the primary licensed spectrum user in the mobile satellite services MSS/ATC band” it should be protected under FCC rules.

LightSquared has been beset with problems, including government-commissioned tests that found its LTE network would interfere with critical GPS services, and culminating in the FCC withdrawing its support for the network in February. LightSquared has always questioned the validity of the test results.

In its latest comments, the company said the FCC “should not embrace the false choice presented by the GPS industry” of LightSquared deploying its network or GPS services being maintained, arguing that both goals can be achieved.

LightSquared executive VP for regulatory affairs and public policy Jeffrey Carlisle said the GPS industry has been aware of the LightSquared network since 2005 and should work with the FCC to find a resolution to allow the LTE network to operate.

“LightSquared is committed to continuing to pursue its rights to use its spectrum as repeatedly approved by the FCC, and remains willing to work with all interested parties to achieve a solution that best serves the broadband needs of millions of Americans across the nation,” the company said.

The filing was made in response to comments from the GPS industry and other parts of the Public Notice issued by the FCC withdrawing its support for the network.