Best Buy is hoping to get a piece of the 4G action through a deal with the LightSquared wireless network.
4G represents the super fast fourth generation of cellular wireless standards, supposedly topping 100 Mbps for high mobility. In English what that means is any mobile phone or broadband connection on this network will be friggin’ awesome. And fast.
LightSquared CEO Sanjiv Ahuja confirmed the partnership during a Wednesday keynote at the CTIA Wireless show in Orlando, Florida.
Although Ahuja did not reveal many of details of the partnership with Best Buy, he did confirm LightSquared’s plans to provide 4G connectivity to Leap Wireless’s Cricket service and a joint partnership with Open Range to provide wireless access in rural areas.
LightSquared is a wholesale broadband network, selling to 4G connectivity to companies like Best Buy and Leap Wireless, so this is not an option available directly to the consumer through LightSquared like 4G from Sprint or AT&T would be.
The interesting thing about the LightSquared offering is the fact that it will be available for wired broadband providers such as Comcast and Time Warner Cable.
If these cable providers were to pick up LightSquared’s 4G offerings, it could potentially lower the expensive voice and data plans offered by the likes of AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint; a move that would mean a cheaper phone bill for the consumer.
A cheaper phone bill? Yes please!
