Ligado Networks
Ligado Networks operates a geostationary satellite-based mobile satellite service and licenses L-band spectrum for private LTE/5G networks, serving federal and public-safety agencies, utilities, transportation, maritime, and industrial IoT customers across North America.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1985
- HeadquartersReston, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Ligado Networks does
Ligado Networks LLC is a privately held satellite communications company headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with operations support in Ottawa and satellite gateway facilities in Dallas, Napa, and Saskatoon. Founded on 25+ years of mobile satellite services heritage, the company delivers MSS over a geostationary SkyTerra-1 satellite with a 22-meter reflector and precision beamforming, providing L-band (1.5/1.6 GHz) coverage across North and Central America, the Caribbean, and coastal waters. The company exited Chapter 11 reorganization in September 2025 after equitizing more than $8.5 billion of debt under a restructuring support agreement with major creditors.
The company's product portfolio spans MSAT Push-to-Talk services supporting up to 9,999 group members, the SMART public safety interoperability program (originated with the DOJ and FBI), and Direct-to-Device satellite connectivity for smartphones and IoT devices. It also licenses Band 54 (1670-1675 MHz) spectrum for private LTE/5G networks supporting utilities and critical infrastructure, with certified OEM modules from GCT Semiconductor and Ubiik. Going forward, Ligado is pivoting to a multi-orbit strategy through a commercial agreement with AST SpaceMobile (approved through bankruptcy in July 2025), which will host the SkyTerra Next L-band payload on AST's LEO constellation.
Ligado generates revenue through recurring MSS subscriptions, hardware sales of MSATe mobile satellite radios, Band 54 spectrum leasing via Select Spectrum as broker, and revenue-participation from the AST SpaceMobile commercial agreement. Customers are concentrated in federal/state public safety agencies, critical infrastructure operators, transportation, maritime/fisheries, and industrial IoT sectors, supported by direct enterprise sales and technology partner distribution through Nokia, GCT Semiconductor, Ubiik, and others.
Ligado Networks firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Ligado Networks
- Legal name
- Ligado Networks LLC
- Website
- https://ligado.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1985
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Ligado Networks operates a geostationary satellite-based mobile satellite service and licenses L-band spectrum for private LTE/5G networks, serving federal and public-safety agencies, utilities, transportation, maritime, and industrial IoT customers across North America.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Ligado Networks industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Mobile Satellite Communications
- NAICS
- Satellite Telecommunications (51741), Satellite Telecommunications (5174)
- SIC
- Communications Services, Nec (4899), Services-Telephone Interconnect Systems (7385)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Satellite Mobility Connectivity (Maritime, Aviation, Rail, Land Mobile) (HDAIAJAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Mission-Critical & Public Safety Private Networks (MCX/LMR Interop) (HDAIAGAH), Satellite Wholesale Capacity & Backhaul (transponder/HTS capacity, teleport services) (HDAIAEAJ)
Keywords
Where Ligado Networks is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Reston
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
Ligado Networks business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Mobile Satellite Services (MSS): Recurring satellite voice and data services for government, enterprise, and commercial customers including push-to-talk, telephony, and tracking services.
- Direct-to-Device Satellite Connectivity: Direct-to-device satellite services enabling connectivity for smartphones and IoT devices through the SkyTerra satellite network, supporting emergency communications and everyday connectivity.
- Local Spectrum Leasing (Band 54): Licensing of Band 54 spectrum to enterprises for private LTE network deployment supporting critical infrastructure, utilities, and industrial IoT applications.
- MSAT Equipment Sales: Sale of MSATe Mobile Satellite Radio devices available in fixed, mobile, and maritime configurations for utilities, public safety, commercial transportation, and fisheries.
- Spectrum Rights Commercialization: Partnership with AST SpaceMobile providing satellite-based usage rights to Ligado's L-band spectrum in North America, generating warrants, payments, and revenue participation from D2D and IoT services.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels6 records
Ligado Networks product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Ligado Networks operates a mobile satellite services (MSS) platform using its SkyTerra-1 geostationary satellite and licensed L-band spectrum to deliver voice, push-to-talk, and data connectivity across North America for government, enterprise, and commercial customers. The company also licenses Band 54 (1670-1675 MHz) mid-band spectrum for localized private LTE/5G networks supporting critical infrastructure and industrial IoT. Ligado is developing multi-orbit capabilities through a strategic collaboration with AST SpaceMobile for direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services.
Product overview
Ligado Networks operates as a satellite communications company offering a portfolio of mobile satellite services and terrestrial spectrum solutions. The core offerings include Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) via geostationary SkyTerra-1 satellite supporting voice, Push-To-Talk, and data connectivity; Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite services extending coverage to smartphones and IoT devices; MSAT satellite voice and PTT services for critical communications; and Local Spectrum Leasing (Band 54) for private 4G/5G networks. The company is advancing toward multi-orbit satellite networks combining GSO and NGSO capabilities through its partnership with AST SpaceMobile, while also developing SkyTerra Next for LEO-based D2D services. The portfolio is rounded out by the SMART public safety interoperability program and GPS Device Program for federal customers.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SMART (Satellite Mutual Aid Radio Talkgroup): A nationwide and regional program of interoperable public safety talkgroups operating on the Ligado mobile satellite services network, enabling critical interoperable communications among homeland security officials, law enforcement, emergency responders, and public safety officials.
Products and services
- Mobile Satellite Services (MSS)
Quantifiable outcome
- Coverage across North and Central America, Northern South America, Caribbean, Hawaii, and coastal waters
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Ligado Networks
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Ligado Networks technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Ligado Networks partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- UbiikcoreUbiik's Pyxis Duo RB701 Wi-Fi-capable LTE router received FCC certification for 3GPP Band 54 operation in North America, expanding the ecosystem for Ligado's private network spectrum.
- AST SpaceMobileflagshipStrategic collaboration to deploy SkyTerra Next L-band payload on AST SpaceMobile's low Earth orbit satellite constellation. Ligado's L-band spectrum will be hosted on AST's NGSO satellites for direct-to-device mobile satellite services. AST will provide satellite-based usage rights, fund Ligado's spectrum obligations, and share D2D/IoT revenue. Bankruptcy court approved in July 2025.
- Viasat and InmarsatcoreRevised payment terms established under Cooperation Agreement between Ligado and Inmarsat, with Viasat and Inmarsat providing support for NGSO satellite applications that Ligado and AST will file with regulators. Part of bankruptcy reorganization.
- GCT SemiconductorcorePartnership for commercial availability of Band 54 LTE modules. GCT's Luna Cat-12 LTE module received FCC certification for operation on Ligado's Band 54 spectrum, enabling devices for critical infrastructure private networks.
- Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA)coreIndustry coalition of five non-terrestrial network providers including Viasat, Omnispace, and others to develop a global direct-to-device ecosystem utilizing over 100MHz of L- and S-band spectrum. Aims to align with 3GPP standards and enable narrowband IoT services.
- Viasat and SkylocoreThree-way collaboration to offer direct-to-device satellite services via Ligado's SkyTerra satellite network. Non-binding MoU to combine capabilities for D2D connectivity.
- OmnispacecorePartnership to create the largest portfolio of licensed satellite spectrum for global direct-to-device voice, text and data connectivity, combining L- and S-band spectrum resources.
- RakutenminorCollaboration using Rakuten Communications Platform (RCP) with Ligado's spectrum for 5G mobile private network solutions for enterprises.
- NokiacoreCollaboration to combine Nokia's Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) enterprise private wireless networks solution with Ligado's Band 54 licensed spectrum for U.S. market deployment of private LTE/5G networks.
- Select SpectrumminorSelect Spectrum serves as a spectrum broker for Ligado's Band 54 local spectrum leasing, helping advance use of licensed spectrum for private networks in the critical infrastructure sector.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Ligado Networks competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Iridium Communications: Direct MSS competitor operating the Iridium satellite constellation with L-band spectrum holdings serving government, maritime, aviation, and IoT markets. Highly comparable because both companies sell L-band MSS voice/data services to overlapping government and enterprise customers, and Iridium is actively opposing Ligado's SkyTerra Next proposal at the FCC.
- AST SpaceMobile: Strategic partner and direct D2D peer building a space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly to standard smartphones. Comparable because AST holds L-band usage rights from Ligado and is the primary counterparty for Ligado's SkyTerra Next multi-orbit growth strategy.
- Globalstar: Direct MSS competitor providing satellite voice, data, and D2D services via its L-band/S-band spectrum holdings and the Apple iPhone emergency SOS partnership. Comparable because both companies monetize L-band MSS spectrum for consumer D2D and enterprise/government applications.
- Omnispace: D2D and MSS peer combining L- and S-band spectrum holdings for global direct-to-device voice, text, and data services. Comparable because Omnispace has a partnership with Ligado to create a combined D2D spectrum portfolio and is a fellow MSSA coalition member targeting 3GPP NTN standards-based D2D.
Broad incumbents
- SES: Broad incumbent satellite operator with a multi-orbit GEO/MEO fleet (including O3b mPOWER) serving enterprise, government, and connectivity markets. Comparable because SES operates hybrid multi-orbit networks and pursues government/enterprise contracts overlapping Ligado's customer base.
- Viasat: Broad incumbent satellite operator with a portfolio spanning consumer broadband, in-flight connectivity, and (via Inmarsat acquisition) MSS and IoT services. Comparable because Viasat is both a collaboration partner in MSSA and a counterparty in Ligado's Cooperation Agreement, with overlapping MSS/government market presence.
- EchoStar: Broad incumbent satellite operator holding MSS spectrum (parent of Hughes Network Systems and operator of EchoStar Mobile) serving consumer, enterprise, and IoT customers. Comparable because EchoStar controls MSS spectrum assets and operates satellite services targeting similar D2D and enterprise verticals.
Emerging players
- Skylo Technologies: Emerging D2D and NTN player partnering with satellite operators (including Viasat) to deliver standards-based satellite connectivity for smartphones and IoT devices. Comparable because Skylo has a three-way collaboration with Viasat and Ligado on D2D services via the SkyTerra satellite network.
Others
- Motorola Solutions: Mission-critical communications vendor selling LMR, push-to-talk, and public safety networks to federal, state, and local agencies. Comparable because Motorola Solutions serves Ligado's SMART program customer base with overlapping interoperable public safety communications solutions.
Regional players
- Telesat: Canadian satellite operator headquartered in Ottawa (where Ligado's operations HQ is located) with Lightspeed LEO constellation under development. Comparable because Telesat provides satellite services in overlapping North American markets and shares operational proximity with Ligado's MSS business.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Ligado Networks social profiles
Digital presenceLigado Networks financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Ligado Networks leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles16 records
Ligado Networks funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors3 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Ligado Networks M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Ligado Networks
What does Ligado Networks do?
Ligado Networks operates a mobile satellite services (MSS) platform using its SkyTerra-1 geostationary satellite and licensed L-band spectrum to deliver voice, push-to-talk, and data connectivity across North America for government, enterprise, and commercial customers. The company also licenses Band 54 (1670-1675 MHz) mid-band spectrum for localized private LTE/5G networks supporting critical infrastructure and industrial IoT. Ligado is developing multi-orbit capabilities through a strategic collaboration with AST SpaceMobile for direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services.
Is Ligado Networks a public or private company?
Ligado Networks is a private company. It is classified as private equity controlled and is currently operating.
When was Ligado Networks founded?
Ligado Networks was founded in 1985. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Ligado Networks based?
Ligado Networks is headquartered in Reston, United States, in the North America region.
How does Ligado Networks make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) is the primary driver. The others are direct-to-Device Satellite Connectivity, local Spectrum Leasing (Band 54), MSAT Equipment Sales and spectrum Rights Commercialization.
Who are Ligado Networks's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Iridium Communications, AST SpaceMobile, Globalstar and Omnispace. Broad incumbents are SES, Viasat and EchoStar. Skylo Technologies is listed as an emerging player. Motorola Solutions is listed as an others. Telesat is listed as a regional player.
Does Ligado Networks have an API?
No public API is recorded for Ligado Networks.
What industry is Ligado Networks in?
Ligado Networks's product category is Mobile Satellite Communications. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAIAJAD, Satellite Mobility Connectivity (Maritime, Aviation, Rail, Land Mobile), with a secondary code of HDAIAGAH, Mission-Critical & Public Safety Private Networks (MCX/LMR Interop). Its NAICS code is 51741 and its SIC code is 4899.