Washington View: The Latest on Ligado
While an independent report from NASEM has validated some NTIA GPS interference claims, no real mitigation is in in sight.
By Dawn M.K. Zoldi (Colonel, USAF, Ret.)While an independent report from NASEM has validated some NTIA GPS interference claims, no real mitigation is in in sight.
By Dawn M.K. Zoldi (Colonel, USAF, Ret.)NextNav and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. now collaborate to enable NextNav’s Pinnacle 911 z-axis software and network-based services for use with the Qualcomm Location Suite. This facilitates integration of vertical location into existing carrier infrastructure for emergency 911 purposes by device and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vendors.
By Inside GNSSTo comply with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) E-911 regulations, Qualcomm Technologies has enhanced the capabilities of the Qualcomm Location Suite to provide improved horizontal and vertical positioning information.
By Inside GNSSIn a demonstration of new services that NextGen TV can offer, BitPath, CAST.ERA and ONE Media publicly trialed “Enhanced GPS” broadcasts that could provide a tool for autonomous vehicle navigation and other applications.
By Inside GNSSby Logan Scott
There has been much discussion of the need for resilient PNT over the past few years, as dependencies have grown and an evolving threat matrix has become more active. As a nation, we need a measured and cost-effective response commensurate with the level of threats and the possible consequences.
By Inside GNSSU.S. Senator Jim Inhofe, R-Oklahoma, wrote an opinion editorial piece at the close of 2020 warning any investors or potential investors in Ligado Networks that they face “massive risks.”
By Inside GNSSAs 2020 comes to a close, the Ligado Networks LLC’s (Ligado) mobile satellite services (MSS) project remains at a standstill. While actions in the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) proceedings in the case have stagnated, Congressional action, funds and filings have flowed.
By Dawn M.K. Zoldi (Colonel, USAF, Ret.)NextNav, a provider of 3D geolocation, announced the availability of its vertical positioning service in sixteen major metropolitan areas in the US. The vertical positioning service helps first responders find people — via their cell phones or tablets — faster in multi-story buildings, opens up new urban markets for location-based applications, and unlocks a new ecosystem of 3D geolocation products.
By Inside GNSSSix months ago, the FCC unanimously granted Ligado’s amended license modification applications to deploy a low-power terrestrial nationwide network in the L-Band. Petitions for reconsideration remain pending, interest groups continue to agitate for change, Congress awaits answers to conflict-of-interest questions—and Ligado presses forward as planned.
By Dawn M.K. Zoldi (Colonel, USAF, Ret.)A favorable GAO ruling discounted Congressional allegations that the FCC skipped a key legal step before granting Ligado’s controversial application. This positions the broadband company closer to its target and to ongoing interference with GPS signals.
By Dawn M.K. Zoldi (Colonel, USAF, Ret.)U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, announced that he has placed a hold on the nomination of Mike O’Rielly to a third term as Federal Communications Commision (FCC) Commissioner until O’Rielly publicly commits to vote to overturn the current Ligado Order.
By Inside GNSSFive organizations representing thousands of companies and millions of Americans have launched a new coalition to protect end users of GPS, following the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) April 22 decision to permit Ligado Networks to operate a terrestrial wireless network using its satellite spectrum.
By Inside GNSSThe Federal Communications Commission should really consider updating its motto. “Firm, fast, flexible, and fair” has a bit of an old-fashioned ring. As mottos go, it fails to keep up with the times.
By Alan CameronIn its order allowing Ligado Networks to use satellite frequencies for on-the-ground wireless, the Federal Communications Commission set conditions on the firm’s operations, but only at the very tail end. Those conditions are there to help protect GPS receivers from interference — interference the FCC acknowledges as being quite possible.
By Dee Ann DivisThough the FCC approved Ligado Networks’ request to use satellite frequencies to support terrestrial 5G, opposition to the move remains firm as everyone waits to see what kind of measures are included in the final decision to protect GPS from interference.
By Dee Ann Divis