The Air Force has expressed similar concerns this year to Congress, pointing out that transmissions that hamper GPS could affect U.S. military operations, federal control of national airspace, border security and maritime operations, as well as ground navigation for civilian agencies responding to emergencies.
LightSquared, of Reston, Va., said it has moved its radio frequencies farther away from the core GPS frequencies and is working with GPS device makers on technology that would eliminate interference for precision GPS devices.
U.S. Reps. Steve Austria and Mike Turner, both of the Dayton area, are among those urging tighter government scrutiny of LightSquared’s proposal.
Austria, R-Beavercreek, is backing legislation to prevent the Federal Communications Commission from allowing LightSquared to proceed with its broadband network until the GPS interference concerns are resolved.
Turner, R-Centerville, backs legislation that would require the secretary of defense to notify Congress if it is determined that a commercial communications service would interfere with the military’s use of GPS.