In yet another blow to the multi-billion dollar plan of the wireless network company, government and Congress alike have affirmed that LightSquared’s proposed broadband service would cause “significant interference with GPS.” The National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing Executive Committee (PNT) and Congress have intervened on the issue and remain unconvinced of the two systems ability to co-exist harmoniously without serious interruptions to GPS service. 

 

The PNT is made up of nine federal agencies that coordinate GPS issues and based its findings on numerous tests performed by the Federal Aviation Administration. The group informed the Commerce Department additional testing was needed and that they saw no quick fix to the interference problem. In similar fashion, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) of 2012, signed into law on Dec. 31, 2011, contains provisions requiring LightSquared to negate any interference issues with GPS before the FCC can approve its operation. While the NDAA does not specifically prohibit LightSquared’s proposed network, it does contain specific guidelines that must be met and forbids the FCC from allowing its use unless it can unequivocally prove that it won’t interfere with the needs of the Department of Defense. 

 

None too pleased with the harsh criticism, LightSquared has claimed the testing was “rigged” and is asking the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to redo the tests. In addition, the company continues to threaten legal action as well. 

 

NAAA will continue to monitor this issue and keep members apprised of the final outcome regarding LightSquared’s proposed network plan.