LightSquared interferes with GPS: Report (updated)

Submitted: June 30, 2011 - 2:25pm
Originally published: June 30, 2011
Last updated: June 30, 2011 - 6:08pm

Location:

Federal Communications Commission (FCC), 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC, 20554, United States

LightSquared’s wireless network interferes with global positioning systems (GPS), according to tests the company and the GPS industry submitted to federal regulators June 30. But that’s where their agreement ends.

LightSquared said it still thinks it can figure out a way to get its satellite-based mobile broadband network to work without knocking out GPS receivers. Among other things, the company says filtering technology — for its own devices and for GPS devices — can help reduce interference. But the GPS industry disagrees. “There is no existing technology that solves this interference, only unproven claims of hypothetical future fixes,” said Jim Kirkland, vice president of GPS firm Trimble. The Federal Communications Commission said it won't allow LightSquared to launch its business until the interference issues are resolved. Spokesman Neil Grace said the agency will review the report.

Update:

The FCC seeks public input on the report. Comments should be filed no later than July 30, 2011, and reply comments by August 15, 2011.