National Broadband Network Could Jam GPS Nav
Joelle Tessler, at AP, reports that a new nationwide wireless Internet service could drown out GPS signals and jam navigation systems in airplanes and cars.
The problem stems from a recent government decision to let a Virginia company called LightSquared build a nationwide broadband network using airwaves next to those used for GPS. Manufacturers of GPS equipment warn that strong signals from the planned network could jam existing navigation systems. A technical fix could be expensive — billions of dollars by one estimate — and there’s no agreement on who should pay.
The FCC and LightSpeed claim that the two networks can coexist safely. However, GPS signals are very weak and are susceptible to being blocked by strong transmissions on adjoining frequencies. It seems strange that the FCC, which has always been very concerned about jamming key communications channels by consumer electronics devices, would allow this situation to take place. In January, the FCC gave approval for LightSpeed to build a wireless network that would reach 92 percent of all Americans by 2015. The FCC has ordered further tests.
[Cross-posted at Silicon Valley Watcher]
A message from John Furrier, co-founder of SiliconANGLE:
Support our mission to keep content open and free by engaging with theCUBE community. Join theCUBE’s Alumni Trust Network, where technology leaders connect, share intelligence and create opportunities.
- 15M+ viewers of theCUBE videos, powering conversations across AI, cloud, cybersecurity and more
- 11.4k+ theCUBE alumni — Connect with more than 11,400 tech and business leaders shaping the future through a unique trusted-based network.
About SiliconANGLE Media
SiliconANGLE Media is a recognized leader in digital media innovation, uniting breakthrough technology, strategic insights and real-time audience engagement. As the parent company of SiliconANGLE, theCUBE Network, theCUBE Research, CUBE365, theCUBE AI and theCUBE SuperStudios — with flagship locations in Silicon Valley and the New York Stock Exchange — SiliconANGLE Media operates at the intersection of media, technology and AI.
Founded by tech visionaries John Furrier and Dave Vellante, SiliconANGLE Media has built a dynamic ecosystem of industry-leading digital media brands that reach 15+ million elite tech professionals. Our new proprietary theCUBE AI Video Cloud is breaking ground in audience interaction, leveraging theCUBEai.com neural network to help technology companies make data-driven decisions and stay at the forefront of industry conversations.
