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

[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...