FCC planning to destroy GPS...interesting read...

[Squareman357]

http://freegeographytools.com/2011/how-the-fcc-plans-to-destroy-gps-a-simple-explanation

So what do you think about that?  Some validity to it?  Or more "sky is falling" rhetoric?

[DredheadV2.0]

http://freegeographytools.com/2011/how-the-fcc-plans-to-destroy-gps-a-simple-explanation

So what do you think about that?  Some validity to it?  Or more "sky is falling" rhetoric?

WTH???    

[kevin_stevens]

Absolutely obscene example of "special pleading" by industry groups.  *Exactly* the kind of thing the FCC is supposed to prevent, not endorse.  Appalling.

KeS

[zer0netgain]

Hard to say where this will go.

Military relies on GPS, but they might be on a new frequency and care not about how civilians are impacted.

I can rest assured that when people start having problems, the GPS makers will raise hell over this.

[FJRmgm]

Hard to say where this will go.

Military relies on GPS, but they might be on a new frequency and care not about how civilians are impacted.

I can rest assured that when people start having problems, the GPS makers will raise hell over this.

it will be ME raising hell over this IF it ever happens.   Too many people and groups are dependent upon GPS these days.

[Rincewind]

That tile is a bit inflammatory, donchathink?  

If the they are planning on the destruction of GPS, why is the FCC requiring that Lightsquared works with the GPS manufacturers to alleviate all interference issues before they are allowed to implement?  

Indeed, the FCC stated LightSquared is required to submit an initial report to both the Commission and the NTIA by Feb. 25, 2011, that includes a work plan outlining key milestones for the overall analyses. In addition, LightSquared must submit progress reports on the 15th day of each succeeding month thereafter. The first of these reports must at a minimum include base station transmitter characteristics, categories of GPS devices and their representative performance characteristics, and test plans and procedures.

LightSquared is further required to submit a final report no later than June 15, 2011, that includes the working group's analyses of the potential for overload interference to GPS devices from LightSquared's terrestrial network of base stations, technical and operational steps to avoid such interference, and specific recommendations going forward to mitigate potential interference to GPS devices.

http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/112844

[antvq]

This does not bode well for either individuals or airlines that rely on GPS for navigation.   I read the documents that were in the original link and this does smell fishy.    These folks got all sorts of waivers just after donating the max amount to the party in power.  That is enough to put everything on hold and take a closer look.  Add in the fact that the guy running the company is currently under investigation for fraud and it's just another red flag.

As far as LightSpeed working with GPS manufacturers....the only result of that so far is LightSpeed telling them they must modify their equipment.  

[Squareman357]

That tile is a bit inflammatory, donchathink?  

If the they are planning on the destruction of GPS, why is the FCC requiring that Lightsquared works with the GPS manufacturers to alleviate all interference issues before they are allowed to implement?  

http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/112844

  I didn't name the article, the author did, I just used the same title he used!    I think in the article, the author stated that the waiver the FCC gave LightSquared wasn't predicated on any interference alleviation, and that they could simply say that instituting filters on GPS devices is the "technical and operational steps" and/or "recommendations for mitigation ", which would still cause millions of dollars in infrastructure changes, including equipment.  Do YOU want to buy a new GPS and cell phone because the existing tech in your units is now unusable?  I know I don't LOL!

[CLAY]

I can't imagine this will actually happen.  The outrage would be unreal.  I have a feeling if it were to occur and executive order would be issued- minimally- to stop it.

[bomber]

The piece is full of technical holes and errors (just because the author admits simplification doesn't mean the simplification doesn't alter the value of the data) . . .

His mu-metal foil hat has overheated his noggin.

[sprint_st]

I don't watch GPS news much anymore but did back in the mid '80's.   GPS was 100% a military program at that time and an argument could be made that it technically still is.  The system was designed to be accurate enough to make instrument landings in the military mode which required a special code.  The civilians could use a much more degraded form.  Problem was that it was way more accurate than anyone expected AND civilian electronic wiz's figured out how to make it even more accurate even without the code.  To make a long story short political pressure took over control of the GPS program and the Air Force was pissed. Do you remember when Bill Clinton told the Air Force to turn off selective availability? The military has always had the ability to turn satellites off and on so they could remove service to a rather large area without a lot of problems.  You can jam almost any radio signal based system or even better you can spoof it by adding some locally based transmitters which record actual GPS transmissions, delay them and then retransmit them.  I'm sure there are smarter folks than me who can come up with ways to wreck GPS receivers.   IMO, no one in the government could stand up to the political heat that screwing with GPS would bring UNLESS they had one helluva good reason.  Besides, GPS doesn't fall under the purview of the FCC.

[zer0netgain]

Besides, GPS doesn't fall under the purview of the FCC.

Even so, the FCC is responsible for allocating frequencies to prevent problems.  They know what frequencies are used for GPS and should not allow anyone else to trample over it when assigning usage to the public.

[napper]

Dammit, where'd I put my road atlas?

[SWriverstone]

Dammit, where'd I put my road atlas?

I dunno...I think the article's sources are valid...and clearly some mutual pipe-tugging is going on between LightSquared and the FCC. But as others have said...all it would take is for this to become a national scandal for LightSquared to back down or be history...and things can go viral (e.g. become a national scandal) VERY quickly in this day and age.

Scott

[Joey Stalin]

Sky is falling rhetoric. I have no mistaken notions about the ability of industry and government to screw over the public. They routinely do it on smaller scales. But messing with airplane navigation? Sorry, not going to happen. Suddenly pilots all over the country start having a fit because their navigation is having a collective fit? Yeah, the FAA wouldn't be very happy about that. Not going to happen.

[JimWilliamson]

Sky is falling rhetoric. I have no mistaken notions about the ability of industry and government to screw over the public. They routinely do it on smaller scales. But messing with airplane navigation? Sorry, not going to happen. Suddenly pilots all over the country start having a fit because their navigation is having a collective fit? Yeah, the FAA wouldn't be very happy about that. Not going to happen.

I'm in this camp. If it messes with commercial aviation, it won't happen.

I could see them promoting/trying/saying "we won't place antennas X distance from 'major' airports..." though.

[sprint_st]

Even so, the FCC is responsible for allocating frequencies to prevent problems.  They know what frequencies are used for GPS and should not allow anyone else to trample over it when assigning usage to the public.

Unless something has changed the military and the FCC coordinate frequency management.  The FCC isn't totally stupid, although it is part of the government and must take some guilt by association.  First thing you have to remember is GPS works at just over 1 gigahz.  That's line of sight stuff.  So you could actually have multiple services using the same frequencies if coordinated properly.  Then there is the business that GPS is the original service in those freqs.  Ever wonder why a railroad or boat has the right of way over cars?  It's because they were there first.  Same goes for those services.  If a new guy interferes with the original service they can be fined or even taken into court for damages.

[DangerMoney]

http://freegeographytools.com/2011/how-the-fcc-plans-to-destroy-gps-a-simple-explanation

....  Or more "sky is falling" rhetoric?

Given civil aviation and maritime navigations dependence on GPS (read "public safety"), absolute "sky is falling" rhetoric.

[Justin]

Wouldn't this also have the potential to interfere with aviation GPS? Maybe it will become an FAA vs FCC battle  

[kurtw]

My cynical take on this: ASSUMING the article can be taken more or less at face value, then I will not be at all surprised if this is a choreographed game of chicken. It will be allowed to move forward until the consequences are obvious to everyone. Then, for the public good, someone will come up with some way to swap this company some safer, much more valuable frequencies for their cheap sat frequencies. It's a win-win!  

PS - if I'm wrong, I guess my new GPS I just bought will make a great paper-weight.

[tjhess74]

awesome, i think its a step backward for technonlogy that will actually be a step forward for mankind.  get rid of the devices and peoples dependancy and bring back atlases.  think of the jobs the prez can create by atlas manufacturing coming back.  its a win-win!!!

if this happens, then that means ill never have to yell at my computer anymore when trying to use mapsource...

[GerryPetrecca]

awesome, i think its a step backward for technonlogy that will actually be a step forward for mankind.  get rid of the devices and peoples dependancy and bring back atlases.  think of the jobs the prez can create by atlas manufacturing coming back.  its a win-win!!!

if this happens, then that means ill never have to yell at my computer anymore when trying to use mapsource...

TRUE DAT!!!

F*** mapsourse, F**K Garmin

[Bryan217]

TRUE DAT!!!

F*** mapsourse, F**K Garmin

Gerry, just buy a real motorcycle GPS (Zumo) and you won't have the problems.  

[sprint_st]

awesome, i think its a step backward for technonlogy that will actually be a step forward for mankind.  get rid of the devices and peoples dependancy and bring back atlases.  think of the jobs the prez can create by atlas manufacturing coming back.  its a win-win!!!

if this happens, then that means ill never have to yell at my computer anymore when trying to use mapsource...

Ahh, you don't have to worry about technology in SC, we haven't cracked the 20th century yet  

A good example of why going back to atlases doesn't work came in the early days of commercial GPS.  Canada was way ahead of the US in implementing GPS.  They had a rash of ships running aground because GPS was very accurate and the charts were not.  There are still issues with bad maps.   As far as new jobs making atlases, those jobs already exist and making those maps depend on a very high degree on GPS.   Even the aerial photograph that you see on many websites depend on GPS.  Using this same roll back technology argument, you might say eliminate cars and bring back the horse.

[Justin]

Gerry, just buy a real motorcycle GPS (Zumo) and you won't have the problems.  

I don't have a real motorcycle GPS, and it works fine?  Nuvi 550 btw.. works fine for me, and is waterproof.

[Bryan217]

I don't have a real motorcycle GPS, and it works fine?  Nuvi 550 btw.. works fine for me, and is waterproof.

Though not a real motorcycle unit, the Nuvi 550 does pretty damn good imitation of one.  

[tjhess74]

the whole thing is so retarded that you have to wonder if its being done on purpose! i actually think this whole thing is a little more sinister than i stated earlier...call me paranoid...

-get people hooked on electronics and let their 'thinking' ability atrophy (how many can 'land navigate' now, compared to 30 years ago?).

-slowing raise gas prices to start limiting mobility

-start making gas short-term perishable (ethanol) and really start to reduce mobility (in terms of time=no stock piling)

-start making gas from a staple food source (corn=ethanol) and you can accomplish the above two and raise food prices

-raise food prices to start a competition for food and limit the area in which people can travel to get it, basically setting the stage to make people decide...food or gas.

-cost prohibitive food and gas make people stuck in one spot and very irratable.  

-take away gps, and you have forced people to rely on the internet for direction/mass comms (remember, the govt is taking over the control of the internet=fcc, and one person has asked for the 'button').

with all this, the govt has eliminated the need to pull multiple, complicated 'plugs' on the people should it be necessary.  now, almost everything is consolidated into one easy 'plug'.  simply pull that plug and voila, control.  no egypt- :shrug:style uprising will be tolerated here...at least not in the future.

its worst-case scenario, and may be totally wrong, but alot of crap points to that direction unfortunately.  either that, or its just the result of elected officials lining their pockets for decades...

[GerryPetrecca]

Gerry, just buy a real motorcycle GPS (Zumo) and you won't have the problems.  

This year for sure!!!  Oh by the way when you get home tonight and find your unit missing ...I know nothing!!!

Gerry

[kevin_stevens]

Ahh, you don't have to worry about technology in SC, we haven't cracked the 20th century yet  

A good example of why going back to atlases doesn't work came in the early days of commercial GPS.  Canada was way ahead of the US in implementing GPS.  They had a rash of ships running aground because GPS was very accurate and the charts were not.  There are still issues with bad maps.   As far as new jobs making atlases, those jobs already exist and making those maps depend on a very high degree on GPS.   Even the aerial photograph that you see on many websites depend on GPS.  Using this same roll back technology argument, you might say eliminate cars and bring back the horse.

Also, GPS is used as an extremely accurate time source by zillions of devices that require such to function.

KeS

[Bryan217]

This year for sure!!!  Oh by the way when you get home tonight and find your unit missing ...I know nothing!!!

Gerry

You can't hide from me. I know where you live and work.  

[loadedmind]

To me, it sounds a bit too much like an alarmist mindset from the author of the article.  There's just too much riding on GPS for the "guvnment" not to ensure the functionality won't be potentially jeopardized.

[Joey Stalin]

the whole thing is so retarded that you have to wonder if its being done on purpose! i actually think this whole thing is a little more sinister than i stated earlier...call me paranoid...

-get people hooked on electronics and let their 'thinking' ability atrophy (how many can 'land navigate' now, compared to 30 years ago?).

-slowing raise gas prices to start limiting mobility

-start making gas short-term perishable (ethanol) and really start to reduce mobility (in terms of time=no stock piling)

-start making gas from a staple food source (corn=ethanol) and you can accomplish the above two and raise food prices

-raise food prices to start a competition for food and limit the area in which people can travel to get it, basically setting the stage to make people decide...food or gas.

-cost prohibitive food and gas make people stuck in one spot and very irratable.  

-take away gps, and you have forced people to rely on the internet for direction/mass comms (remember, the govt is taking over the control of the internet=fcc, and one person has asked for the 'button').

with all this, the govt has eliminated the need to pull multiple, complicated 'plugs' on the people should it be necessary.  now, almost everything is consolidated into one easy 'plug'.  simply pull that plug and voila, control.  no egypt- :shrug:style uprising will be tolerated here...at least not in the future.

its worst-case scenario, and may be totally wrong, but alot of crap points to that direction unfortunately.  either that, or its just the result of elected officials lining their pockets for decades...

The gub'ment cannot even effectively and properly handle Social Security (Take money in, send money out, how much easier can it get?), do you honestly believe that they are capable of conducting this level of conspiracy? Or any conspiracy for that matter?

[zer0netgain]

The gub'ment cannot even effectively and properly handle Social Security (Take money in, send money out, how much easier can it get?), do you honestly believe that they are capable of conducting this level of conspiracy? Or any conspiracy for that matter?

Conspiracies are not done by the government.

Rather, they are done by those who have the influence to shape government policy.

[Joey Stalin]

Conspiracies are not done by the government.

Rather, they are done by those who have the influence to shape government policy.

So you think there's any grain of truth to that level of insane rambling?

[zer0netgain]

So you think there's any grain of truth to that level of insane rambling?

Well....

Public education has the common kid believing the UN is a "good" entity (when it's blatantly anti-freedom supporting Marxist/Socialist regimes and being anti-Democratic at every opportunity...holding that freedoms are delegated by the state and not inherently the right of every man).

Public education has the common kid utterly ignorant of American history so that kids have no appreciation for the sacrifices made that made America one of the greatest nations in world history.

None of those happened by chance.  Academic standards were set by politicians with agendas....politicians who needed lots of money to get into office and whose doors are always open to the rich and powerful.

America used to stockpile grain so that in the event of a shortage, we'd have about a month's supply to tide localities over until supply lines were restored.  Those were all sold and never replenished.  Now ever store only has about 72-hours worth of supply.  If the supply lines are disrupted, you have nothing until supply lines are restored.

Food supply is a major source of political power.  When people are hungry, they can be controlled.  Ever wonder why the government is more and more directing enforcement action against small farms and farmer's markets and roadside stands?  It has nothing to do with safety...it's about control.  Wanting to impose FDA standards on farms making more than $500,000 a year is a joke because they are going by gross receipts.  If a farm can't bring in more than $500,000 in gross receipts, farming won't be profitable to justify the farmer's efforts (once you account for all the costs in operating a farm).  Only corporate-owned farms can afford the cost of FDA compliance measures.  Small, independent farmers cannot.

While his example is an extreme snowballing of circumstances, the powers-that-be are weaving an ever complex control grid for the average person.  I've watched the Internet actually shrink in the supply of information.  Most of this from search engines simply de-prioritizing results in favor of others.  Other nations are more aggressive in just blocking access altogether (China is held up as a model for America by those in power...WTF dude?).

I've seen farming subsidized and reallocated in programs that only drive up the cost to consumers.  Gas prices are largely rigged by artificially affecting supply to ensure desired prices.  Oil didn't drop down to nearly $50 a barrel because of natural circumstances.  It was all by design by people playing god at the highest levels.  Oil will not shoot up to over $200 a barrel because of natural circumstances either.

For every "crisis" someone proposes the ideal "solution."  Every time, it asks the people to sacrifice their freedoms and liberties for the promise of security and stability.  Not once do we ever really get what is promised.

I don't think knocking out GPS would really be a good "control" on people.  Compasses still exist.  Maps still exist.  GPS isn't a necessity.  What I can see is a time when piloting across the nation is done via GPS control, and existing GPS allows total independence of the driver.  Maybe if current GPS was replaced with "new and improved" GPS, they could implement a standard where future GPS units restrict where a person can go both in direction given and perhaps even controlling the vehicle so it can not take a person where it is unauthorized to go.  This would negate that mode of transportation for people who want to go to otherwise "restricted" locations.  It might also pave the way for a GPS that communicates two-way so that your car tells the authorities where you are at every moment (something that is in the design stage of the global planners).  This is all speculation on my part, but it fits the realm of possible agendas the global planners would like to see.

There is the theory of the PANOPTICON.  A prison without walls.  Technology not only monitors you 24/7 but controls where you go and what you do.  Attempt to deviate from what is allowed and the authorities come down on you like a bag of hammers.  This is the end goal of the global planners.  The "elite" are deemed exempt because they are "wise and important" enough to not be held to the same standards as the common man.  Everyone else, however, is deemed in need of "control" and they will be herded like cattle into environments (super cities) that restrict their movement, control their behavior, and maximize their "productivity."

So, yes, there is a grain of truth to his insane rambling.

[sprint_st]

WOW!!!  You've opened a 55 gallon drum of worms to say there is a grain of truth in the GPS BS  
One could make the argument that things have been going downhill since women got the right to vote.  I am of the opinion that it happened right about Marbury V. Madison.  Not trying to make light of what you said, kind of agree with lots of it, BUT this GPS thing is total B.S.

SSDD, some a-holes are playing into Orwellian fears of the right, left and middle wings of a stupid populace.  A very good example of this is the NRA fund raisers.  I believe in the right to bear arms.  I joined the NRA but quit after getting a zillion "the sky is falling" telephone calls right in the middle of my dinner.  

[Flyer]

Uh, what were we talking about?  

Oh yeah:

From AVWeb
http://www.avweb.com/eletter/archives/avflash/1837-full.html#204124

Garmin is standing by its position that a proposal to build a network of 40,000 broadband transmission towers around the U.S. could severely disrupt GPS service. As we reported last week, LightSquared has received conditional FCC approval to install the massive system to carry 4G signals, the conditions being that it restrict its signals to their assigned frequencies on the L Band 1 (1525 MHz—1559 MHz) and test existing GPS devices to see what kind of interference the transmitters might cause. GPS uses the a frequency range of 1159-1610 MHz, which is right next to the LightSquared signal. Garmin's Jessica Myers told AVweb in a podcast interview that Garmin has done testing on its own and determined there's no practical way for the two systems to coexist.

Myers said even if the LightSquared signals stay within their boundaries, they will be so strong compared to the very low-power GPS signals that reach Earth from the satellites that the GPS equipment will simply be overwhelmed. She said it may be technically possible to build filters that will block the LightSquared signals but they would be cost-prohibitive. Myers said that because the transmitters are ground-based, the biggest impact on GPS will occur in critical phases of flight like approach. She also noted that there are millions of marine and auto GPS units that could be affected. LightSquared says Garmin's tests are suspect because it didn't use the actual equipment that will be installed on the broadband towers. Real-world testing is expected to begin this month.

Whether a good or bad thing that we have GPS, it seems a total abdication of responsibility by the FCC to allow a useful, practical, and largely adopted commercial and consumer tool to be rendered useless by a competing interest.

[Bob T]

As long as my compass still works, I'm good...

[zer0netgain]

As long as my compass still works, I'm good...

Only until the poles shift.  

[sprint_st]

Whether a good or bad thing that we have GPS, it seems a total abdication of responsibility by the FCC to allow a useful, practical, and largely adopted commercial and consumer tool to be rendered useless by a competing interest.

Not only is it a total abdication of responsibility, it happens to break their own rules.  As soon as one case of interference occurs the operator will find themselves in court.  

Then again if the FCC gets in a pissin' contest with DOD over this, who do you think will win????

[Bob T]

Only until the poles shift.  

True dat...

[kevin_stevens]

Then again if the FCC gets in a pissin' contest with DOD over this, who do you think will win????

Not me.

KeS

[Flyer]

Sounds like the aviation community (at least) is concerned about losing GPS serviceability. What about the rest of us users?  
From AVWeb:

A group of representatives from ATA to GAMA announced Thursday they have formed the "Coalition to Save Our GPS" from the potential threat of interference from 4G broadband signals. The FCC in January granted to LightSquared a waiver that allows the company to build 40,000 ground-based broadband transmission stations if it can demonstrate the stations won't cause harmful interference. The coalition says the move reverses the process of test first, approve next, and has put forth a series of recommendations to provide "additional safeguards."

The coalition recommends the FCC clarify that LightSquared can only pursue its project if a mandated study shows the 4G signals have no harmful effects on GPS reception. It suggests the FCC stop LightSquared from investment in the 4G system until the FCC makes a final decision on the matter, that the terms of approval stipulate that the issue is resolved to the satisfaction of GPS users and providers, that resolution be the sole obligation of LightSquared and not impose cost on the GPS community, and that public comments be accepted for at least 45 days after a report is produced on the interference study. Learn more at SaveOurGPS.org.

[antvq]

Just saw an update on this today......

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2386864,00.asp

LightSquared's multi-million dollar broadband network ambitions could be derailed, after a government agency said the network blocked GPS signals.

The National Executive Committee for Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) reported that LightSquared's broadband wireless transmitters jam GPS receivers crucial to aircraft navigation systems. PNT is expected to submit a report to the Federal Communications Committee by June 15, which will contain a recommendation as to whether or not LightSquared should be deployed commercially.

Another good article on it here....

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304392704576375951185697140.html

[Mac]

I have two problems with the article.

1. If GPS uses phase modulation it would be extremely difficult to block the signal. Phase modulation is what is used on optically guided weapons. Per the book, it can deliver data with a 1 to 1 signal to noise ratio.


2. If light squared blocks GPS, how will municipalities get speeding data from the black boxes in your car to issue citations?


It makes no sense.

[antvq]

I have two problems with the article.

1. If GPS uses phase modulation it would be extremely difficult to block the signal. Phase modulation is what is used on optically guided weapons. Per the book, it can deliver data with a 1 to 1 signal to noise ratio.


2. If light squared blocks GPS, how will municipalities get speeding data from the black boxes in your car to issue citations?


It makes no sense.

Mac, you have to remember that Lightspeed decided it would be a great idea to purchase a license, permit or whatever to operate a GPS system because it was MUCH cheaper than trying to buy a license for a cellular system.  They are now trying to use GPS frequencies to provide cell service and trampling all over the GPS spectrum.  

If I was the FCC, I'd tell them to operate a GPS system or sell the license back.

[Bryan217]

Update: "Wireless network outlines plans to protect GPS"

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110620/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_gps_threats

[Justin]

*Raising a dead thread*

Looks like the FCC shut this plan down   - at least for now


http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/15/business/media/fcc-bars-airwave-use-for-broadband-plan.html?_r=2

[Flyer]

From AVWeb:
February 14, 2012

FCC To Suspend LightSquared Plans.
By Russ Niles, Editor-in-Chief


   

The FCC will indefinitely suspend LightSquared's authority to carry terrestrial broadband signals on frequencies close to GPS frequencies after receiving a report that concludes the two systems cannot currently coexist. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) wrote (PDF) the FCC on Tuesday saying there was no immediate solution to interference problems found in testing GPS units in the presence of the types of signals that LightSquared is proposing. The FCC conditionally allowed LightSquared to use frequency bands it owned adjacent to the GPS bands provided it could prove the broadband wouldn't step on GPS. A year of testing demonstrated serious and widespread interference according to NTIA. LightSquared says it "profoundly disagrees" with those findings and was fighting to have the FCC rule in its favor right up until the decision was announced. The battle isn't officially over yet.

According to PC World, the FCC was planning to issue a public notice of its intentions on Wednesday and will seek public comment on its plan and the NTIA's conclusions. The NTIA did leave a crack in the door by saying it would like to work with the FCC and industry to tackle the interference problems so that spectrum can be freed up to be used for broadband. LightSquared hasn't said what it intends to do with the decision which will effectively cancel its plans for a $14 billion high speed wireless system.

Pretty definitive, but we all know how many a skinny lawyer would love to argue otherwise. Our Zumos should be good for another season...

[sprint_st]

As was stated in previous posts, this proposition was DOA from the start.

[Joey Stalin]

As was stated in previous posts, this proposition was DOA from the start.

Right. The prospect of a start up company lobbying the government to allow it to interfere with and override commercial navigation is completely laughable. How much money does the shipping, trucking, and aviation industries make in a year?

[FJRmgm]

Only until the poles shift.  

did you see the "Disaster Preppers" episode last week on NGC?   Someone is preparing for just that...