Over the past several months, a challenge has been raised for users of the Global Positioning System, or GPS for short. This challenge eminates from a group that has received the approval of the Federal Communications Commission to build a ground-based network to provide a large-scale wireless broadband network. In and of itself, this is a fantastic development, and certainly something that should be pursued as our country continues to build the infrastructure necessary to compete in the 21st century. But this particular network is being built within the spectrum of frequencies located next to the current GPS band. Because these land-based antennas are located here on Earth, their signal will be as much as 1 billion times stronger than those used heard by GPS receivers from satellites 12,000 miles above. This creates an obvious concern for GPS users, as such a strong signal has the potential to greatly reduce or disrupt the ability to utilize GPS in both commercial and industrial applications. A brief overview of this particular challenge can be viewed here.
Recognizing this challenge, GPS leaders across the country have formed a coalition that will work to ensure the safety and protection of our GPS signals. This group, the Coalition to Save Our GPS consists of the leaders throughout the industry, commercial, and aviation industries. Collectively, these companies understand the important role that satellite positioning plays within the national economy, and this coalition remains resolved to ensure that all GPS users can continue to use this technology not just today, but well into the future. To find out more about this important challenge, and to learn how you can help, check out the Coalition's website at www.saveourgps.org.
