Congressman Charles Bass

Urges agency to examine GPS interference findings of LightSquared proposal

June 15, 2011

WASHINGTON – Congressman Charles F. Bass (NH-02) wrote to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) late yesterday urging Chairman Julius Genachowski to protect Global Positioning Service (GPS) from potentially harmful interference that could affect economic growth, public safety, transportation systems, and national security.

Of particular concern is the possibility that the installation and operation of tens of thousands of high-powered base stations in the terrestrial network of LightSquared, a company that plans to offer a mobile broadband network on spectrum immediately adjacent to that of GPS, could overwhelm GPS receivers and create "dead spots" in GPS coverage – detrimentally impacting the millions of GPS users throughout the United States.

Bass, a member of the House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, said:

"Individuals use GPS devices every day, whether it's to plan summer road trips or simply to run errands. In New Hampshire especially, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts have come to rely on GPS while exploring scenic areas like the White Mountains. Not only is accurate location information important in keeping these individuals out of harm's way, but GPS is critical in assisting the public safety community to save lives and keep our transportation systems running accurately and safely. I have serious concerns about LightSquared's base stations overwhelming this vital network and urge the FCC to thoroughly review this serious matter."

Today, the FCC will begin to review the interference findings of LightSquared and the GPS community. Following a report last week of broad-based interference, the Commission's review and resolution of this matter is critical.

Dale Leibach, spokesman for the Coalition to Save Our GPS, said, "Congressman Bass' letter echoes the growing concerns in Congress and in the Executive Branch and underscores the severity of the issue. He is to be commended for bringing more attention to the issue, and hopefully bringing us closer to a solution."

The Coalition to Save Our GPS was formed because of serious concerns about the impact LightSquared's network would have on critical GPS uses. Today, more than 100,000 companies and millions of people working in industries like aviation, public safety, agriculture, transportation, as well as in the public sector are represented in the Coalition either independently or through trade associations.

You can view Bass' letter to the FCC here:  Bass letter to FCC on LightSquared 6-14-11 994.93 Kb

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