CREW: White House Office of Science and Technology Policy: Regarding Documents Related to LightSquared

On September 27, 2011, CREW sent a Freedom of Information Act request to the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), seeking documents related to the 4Gwireless network LightSquared. LightSquared is backed by hedge fund investor Philip Falcone’s private-equity firm Harbinger Capital Partners, and Mr. Falcone has made substantial contributions to Democratic campaign organizations. With LightSquared’s request for approval to launch a new network pending before the Federal Communications Commission, news reports have suggested the White House has attempted to influence the FCC because of Mr. Falcone’s campaign support. Of note, concerns have been raised that LightSquared’s network would interfere with civilian and military GPS devices. CREW seeks especially any communications between White House officials and the FCC or LightSquared regarding the company’s proposed wireless broadband network.