FCC Launches Proceeding on GPS Alternatives
Inquiry Initiated to Promote Technologies to Protect Against GPS Interruptions
The FCC has launched an inquiry to explore commercial technologies that would complement the Global Positioning System (GPS).
"With this inquiry, we will explore other PNT systems that can be complements or alternatives to GPS, with an emphasis on complementary systems."
FCC Chairman Brenden Carr
Although GPS is indispensable to America’s economic and national security, it represents a single point of failure that can be vulnerable to disruption or manipulation by our adversaries. That is why leaders from President Trump to Chairman Cruz and Senator Markey have called to develop alternative systems that provide “position, navigation, and timing” (PNT) data. PNT data is integral to countless military, public safety, agricultural, and commercial activities. Because the American economy and national security depend on GPS as the sole source of PNT data, the U.S. government has shown great interest in developing resilient backups that would protect critical operations from any disruption in GPS signals.
The Notice of Inquiry adopted on March 27th examines how the Commission might foster GPS complements and alternatives. The Notice asks about a wide array of PNT technologies under development by broadcasters, wireless operators, satellite constellations, and startups that use FCC-licensed spectrum. It also seeks comment on the tradeoffs among these emerging PNT offerings based on factors like performance, adoption, scale, geographic coverage, durability, cost, and commercialization.
"With this inquiry, we will explore other PNT systems that can be complements or alternatives to GPS, with an emphasis on complementary systems," FCC Chairman Brenden Carr said in his opening remarks. "Beyond answering technical questions, we hope this effort will engage stakeholders across government and industry to encourage the development of new PNT technologies and solutions."
The Commission intends to build a comprehensive record on what actions it can take to strengthen GPS and promote other PNT technologies. These actions could include FCC rule changes, public-private partnerships, testbeds, Innovation Zones, and more.