Drew Caplan, Chief Network Officer,  LightSquared

Drew Caplan serves as LightSquared’s Chief Network Officer where he is responsible for the company’s network engineering and technology functions, as well as leading the development and deployment of the company’s next generation network.  He previously served as CNO for SkyTerra Communications prior to its acquisition by LightSquared.

A 25-year veteran of the telecommunications industry, from 2005 to 2007 Mr. Caplan consulted with venture capital and private equity firms investing in telecommunications and technology companies, including serving as Executive in Residence for Columbia Capital.

From 1996 to 2005 he founded and led Nextel Communications’ national engineering organization, responsible for development, engineering, planning, and deployment of new technologies, products, and services, highlighted by the introduction of Nextel’s nationwide and international Push-to-Talk feature. He was also responsible for managing all aspects of Nextel’s interconnections and purchases from other carriers.

Prior to joining Nextel, Mr. Caplan served in progressive engineering, operations, and product development roles with MCI Communications from 1983 to 1995. As a founding member of MCImetro, MCI’s CLEC startup, Mr. Caplan oversaw the launch of the company’s first services, building out 20 markets.  He also authored and delivered significant portions of MCI’s testimony in state and federal hearings surrounding the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Mr. Caplan holds a Bachelor of Science (Cum Laude Honors) in Economics, with Computer Science and Mathematics concentrations, from Georgetown University.