US wireless network threatens GPS

GPS companies are concerned strong signals from LightSquared's planned high-speed US network could jam existing systems

Published: 10:57am, 6th April 2011
Updated: 10:28pm, 11th April 2011

A new, ultra-fast wireless internet network is threatening to overpower GPS signals across the US and interfere with everything from planes to police cars to consumer navigation devices.

The problem stems from a recent government decision to let Virginia company 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 is no agreement on who should pay.

Government officials pledge to block LightSquared from turning on its network as scheduled this year unless they receive assurances that GPS systems will still work.

The stakes are high not only for the GPS industry and its users, but also for those who would use LightSquared's network.

In approving it, the Federal Communications Commission seeks to boost wireless competition and bring faster and cheaper internet connections to all Americans - even in remote corners of the country.

LightSquared and the FCC both insist the new network can co-exist with GPS systems. But device makers fear GPS signals will suffer the way a radio station can get drowned out by a stronger broadcast in a nearby channel.

The problem, they say, is that sensitive satellite receivers - designed to pick up relatively weak signals coming from space - could be overwhelmed when LightSquared starts sending high-power signals from as many as 40,000 transmitters on the ground using the airwaves next door.

LightSquared executive vice president Jeffrey Carlisle said: "We have every reason to resolve these concerns because we want to make sure there is a robust GPS system."