Improvements to the network would also mean that many homes with poor or no broadband will have access to a system operating at speeds at or above 2Mbps.

BBC: Norfolk and Suffolk broadband deals worth ?71m signed

"This new agreement allows LightSquared an opportunity to focus its efforts on obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals to begin building the nation's first, coast-to-coast wireless broadband system, " said Doug Smith, LightSquared's interim chief operating officer and chief network officer.

ENGADGET: Inmarsat hands LightSquared a lifeline, hopes to get that $56 million back later