Editing Global Positioning System (section)

== Regulatory spectrum issues concerning GPS receivers ==
In the United States, GPS receivers are regulated under the [[Federal Communications Commission]]'s (FCC) [[Title 47 CFR Part 15|Part 15]] rules. As indicated in the manuals of GPS-enabled devices sold in the United States, as a Part 15 device, it "must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stellarsupport.deere.com/en_US/support/pdf/om/en/ompfp11008_sf3000.pdf |title=2011 John Deere StarFire 3000 Operator Manual |publisher=John Deere |access-date=November 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105123842/http://stellarsupport.deere.com/en_US/support/pdf/om/en/ompfp11008_sf3000.pdf |archive-date=January 5, 2012 }}</ref> With respect to GPS devices in particular, the FCC states that GPS receiver manufacturers "must use receivers that reasonably discriminate against reception of signals outside their allocated spectrum".<ref name="FCC.gov">{{cite web|url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-57A1.pdf|title=Federal Communications Commission Report and Order In the Matter of Fixed and Mobile Services in the Mobile Satellite Service Bands at 1525–1559&nbsp;MHz and 1626.5–1660.5&nbsp;MHz|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|date=April 6, 2011|access-date=December 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111216043702/http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-11-57A1.pdf|archive-date=December 16, 2011|url-status=dead }}</ref> For the last 30 years, GPS receivers have operated next to the Mobile Satellite Service band, and have discriminated against reception of mobile satellite services, such as Inmarsat, without any issue.

The spectrum allocated for GPS L1 use by the FCC is 1559 to 1610&nbsp;MHz, while the spectrum allocated for satellite-to-ground use owned by Lightsquared is the Mobile Satellite Service band.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://transition.fcc.gov/oet/spectrum/table/fcctable.pdf|title=Federal Communications Commission Table of Frequency Allocations|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|date=November 18, 2011|access-date=December 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111216043702/http://transition.fcc.gov/oet/spectrum/table/fcctable.pdf|archive-date=December 16, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> Since 1996, the FCC has authorized licensed use of the spectrum neighboring the GPS band of 1525 to 1559&nbsp;MHz to the [[Virginia]] company [[LightSquared]]. On March 1, 2001, the FCC received an application from LightSquared's predecessor, [[Motient]] Services, to use their allocated frequencies for an integrated satellite-terrestrial service.<ref name=FCC>{{cite web|url=http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/ib/forms/reports/related_filing.hts?f_key=200647&f_number=SATASG2001030200017|title=FCC Docket File Number: SATASG2001030200017, "Mobile Satellite Ventures LLC Application for Assignment and Modification of Licenses and for Authority to Launch and Operate a Next-Generation Mobile Satellite System"|page=9|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|date=March 1, 2001|access-date=December 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114225139/http://licensing.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/ib/forms/reports/related_filing.hts?f_key=200647&f_number=SATASG2001030200017|archive-date=January 14, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2002, the U.S. GPS Industry Council came to an out-of-band-emissions (OOBE) agreement with LightSquared to prevent transmissions from LightSquared's ground-based stations from emitting transmissions into the neighboring GPS band of 1559 to 1610&nbsp;MHz.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/document/view?id=6515082621|title=U.S. GPS Industry Council Petition to the FCC to adopt OOBE limits jointly proposed by MSV and the Industry Council|publisher=Federal Communications Commission|date=September 4, 2003|access-date=December 13, 2011}}{{dead link|date=August 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In 2004, the FCC adopted the OOBE agreement in its authorization for LightSquared to deploy a ground-based network ancillary to their satellite system – known as the Ancillary Tower Components (ATCs) – "We will authorize MSS ATC subject to conditions that ensure that the added terrestrial component remains ancillary to the principal MSS offering. We do not intend, nor will we permit, the terrestrial component to become a stand-alone service."<ref name="hraunfoss.fcc.gov">{{cite web |title=Order on Reconsideration |url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-03-162A1.pdf |date=July 3, 2003 |access-date=October 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020215425/http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-03-162A1.pdf |archive-date=October 20, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> This authorization was reviewed and approved by the U.S. Interdepartment Radio Advisory Committee, which includes the [[U.S. Department of Agriculture]], U.S. Space Force, U.S. Army, [[U.S. Coast Guard]], [[Federal Aviation Administration]], [[National Aeronautics and Space Administration]] (NASA), [[United States Department of the Interior|U.S. Department of the Interior]], and [[U.S. Department of Transportation]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gps.gov/congress/hearings/2011-09-HASC/knapp.pdf|title=Statement of Julius P. Knapp, Chief, Office of Engineering and Technology, Federal Communications Commission|publisher=gps.gov|date=September 15, 2011|page=3|access-date=December 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111216043738/http://www.gps.gov/congress/hearings/2011-09-HASC/knapp.pdf|archive-date=December 16, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2011, the FCC conditionally authorized LightSquared's wholesale customers—such as [[Best Buy]], [[Sharp Corporation|Sharp]], and [[C Spire]]—to only purchase an integrated satellite-ground-based service from LightSquared and re-sell that integrated service on devices that are equipped to only use the ground-based signal using LightSquared's allocated frequencies of 1525 to 1559&nbsp;MHz.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-133A1.pdf|title=FCC Order, Granted LightSquared Subsidiary LLC, a Mobile Satellite Service licensee in the L-Band, a conditional waiver of the Ancillary Terrestrial Component "integrated service" rule|work=Federal Communications Commission|publisher=FCC.Gov|date=January 26, 2011|access-date=December 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111216043715/http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-11-133A1.pdf|archive-date=December 16, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2010, GPS receiver manufacturers expressed concerns to the FCC that LightSquared's signal would interfere with GPS receiver devices<ref name="gpsworld-20110301" /> although the FCC's policy considerations leading up to the January 2011 order did not pertain to any proposed changes to the maximum number of ground-based LightSquared stations or the maximum power at which these stations could operate. The January 2011 order makes final authorization contingent upon studies of GPS interference issues carried out by a LightSquared led working group along with GPS industry and Federal agency participation. On February 14, 2012, the FCC initiated proceedings to vacate LightSquared's Conditional Waiver Order based on the NTIA's conclusion that there was currently no practical way to mitigate potential GPS interference.

GPS receiver manufacturers design GPS receivers to use spectrum beyond the GPS-allocated band. In some cases, GPS receivers are designed to use up to 400&nbsp;MHz of spectrum in either direction of the L1 frequency of 1575.42&nbsp;MHz, because mobile satellite services in those regions are broadcasting from space to ground, and at power levels commensurate with mobile satellite services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gpsworld.com/gnss-system/news/javad-ashjaee-discuss-javad-gnss-lightsquared-tech-december-8-webinar-12337 |title=Javad Ashjaee GPS World webinar |date=December 8, 2011 |publisher=gpsworld.com |access-date=December 13, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111126033508/http://www.gpsworld.com/gnss-system/news/javad-ashjaee-discuss-javad-gnss-lightsquared-tech-december-8-webinar-12337 |archive-date=November 26, 2011 }}</ref> As regulated under the FCC's Part 15 rules, GPS receivers are not warranted protection from signals outside GPS-allocated spectrum.<ref name="FCC.gov" /> This is why GPS operates next to the Mobile Satellite Service band, and also why the Mobile Satellite Service band operates next to GPS. The symbiotic relationship of spectrum allocation ensures that users of both bands are able to operate cooperatively and freely.

The FCC adopted rules in February 2003 that allowed Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) licensees such as LightSquared to construct a small number of ancillary ground-based towers in their licensed spectrum to "promote more efficient use of terrestrial wireless spectrum".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-03-15A1.pdf|title=FCC Order permitting mobile satellite services providers to provide an ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) to their satellite systems|work=Federal Communications Commission|date=February 10, 2003|access-date=December 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111216043720/http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-03-15A1.pdf|archive-date=December 16, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref> In those 2003 rules, the FCC stated: "As a preliminary matter, terrestrial [Commercial Mobile Radio Service ('CMRS')] and MSS ATC are expected to have different prices, coverage, product acceptance and distribution; therefore, the two services appear, at best, to be imperfect substitutes for one another that would be operating in predominantly different market segments&nbsp;... MSS ATC is unlikely to compete directly with terrestrial CMRS for the same customer base...". In 2004, the FCC clarified that the ground-based towers would be ancillary, noting: "We will authorize MSS ATC subject to conditions that ensure that the added terrestrial component remains ancillary to the principal MSS offering. We do not intend, nor will we permit, the terrestrial component to become a stand-alone service."<ref name="hraunfoss.fcc.gov" /> In July 2010, the FCC stated that it expected LightSquared to use its authority to offer an integrated satellite-terrestrial service to "provide mobile broadband services similar to those provided by terrestrial mobile providers and enhance competition in the mobile broadband sector".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2010/08/16/2010-19824/fixed-and-mobile-services-in-the-mobile-satellite-service#p-31|title=Federal Communications Commission Fixed and Mobile Services in the Mobile Satellite Service|work=Federal Communications Commission|date=July 15, 2010|access-date=December 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527223503/https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2010/08/16/2010-19824/fixed-and-mobile-services-in-the-mobile-satellite-service#p-31|archive-date=May 27, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> GPS receiver manufacturers have argued that LightSquared's licensed spectrum of 1525 to 1559&nbsp;MHz was never envisioned as being used for high-speed wireless broadband based on the 2003 and 2004 FCC ATC rulings making clear that the Ancillary Tower Component (ATC) would be, in fact, ancillary to the primary satellite component.<ref name="LightSquared DOD GPS Spec">{{cite web|url=http://saveourgps.org/pdf/SIS_DOD_Response_Statement_08122011.pdf|title=SIS DOD Response Statement|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121213185643/http://saveourgps.org/pdf/SIS_DOD_Response_Statement_08122011.pdf|archive-date=December 13, 2012}}</ref> To build public support of efforts to continue the 2004 FCC authorization of LightSquared's ancillary terrestrial component vs. a simple ground-based LTE service in the Mobile Satellite Service band, GPS receiver manufacturer [[Trimble Navigation]] Ltd. formed the "Coalition To Save Our GPS".<ref name="Coalition To Save Our GPS">{{cite web|url=http://saveourgps.org/|title=Coalition to Save Our GPS|publisher=Saveourgps.org|access-date=November 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111024192351/http://saveourgps.org/|archive-date=October 24, 2011}}</ref>

The FCC and LightSquared have each made public commitments to solve the GPS interference issue before the network is allowed to operate.<ref>{{cite web |author=Carlisle |first=Jeff |date=June 23, 2011 |title=Testimony of Jeff Carlisle, LightSquared Executive Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy to U.S. House Subcommittee on Aviation and Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation |url=http://ssv.cachefly.net/lightsquared/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/LSQ-Testimony-Package.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929064959/http://ssv.cachefly.net/lightsquared/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/LSQ-Testimony-Package.pdf |archive-date=September 29, 2011 |access-date=December 13, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Genachowski |first=Julius |date=May 31, 2011 |title=FCC Chairman Genachowski Letter to Senator Charles Grassley |url=http://www.lightsquared.com/documents/FCC%20Julius%20Genachowski%20letter%20to%20Senator%20Grassley%20-%20May%2031,%202011.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113093239/http://www.lightsquared.com/documents/FCC%20Julius%20Genachowski%20letter%20to%20Senator%20Grassley%20-%20May%2031%2C%202011.pdf |archive-date=January 13, 2012 |access-date=December 13, 2011}}</ref> According to Chris Dancy of the [[Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association]], airline pilots with the type of systems that would be affected "may go off course and not even realize it".<ref name=Tessler /> The problems could also affect the Federal Aviation Administration upgrade to the [[air traffic control]] system, [[United States Defense Department]] guidance, and local [[emergency service]]s including [[9-1-1|911]].<ref name=Tessler>{{cite news|url=http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/04/07/2085752/internet-network-may-jam-gps-in.html |title=Internet network may jam GPS in cars, jets |last=Tessler |first=Joelle |work=The Sun News |date=April 7, 2011 |access-date=April 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501134549/http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/04/07/2085752/internet-network-may-jam-gps-in.html |archive-date=May 1, 2011 }}</ref>

On February 14, 2012, the FCC moved to bar LightSquared's planned national broadband network after being informed by the [[National Telecommunications and Information Administration]] (NTIA), the federal agency that coordinates spectrum uses for the military and other federal government entities, that "there is no practical way to mitigate potential interference at this time".<ref name=FCC20120214>FCC press release [http://www.fcc.gov/document/spokesperson-statement-ntia-letter-lightsquared-and-gps "Spokesperson Statement on NTIA Letter – LightSquared and GPS"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423172022/http://www.fcc.gov/document/spokesperson-statement-ntia-letter-lightsquared-and-gps |date=April 23, 2012 }}. February 14, 2012. Accessed March 3, 2013.</ref><ref>Paul Riegler, FBT. [http://www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com/2012/02/fcc-bars-lightsquared-broadband-network-plan/ "FCC Bars LightSquared Broadband Network Plan"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922055621/http://www.frequentbusinesstraveler.com/2012/02/fcc-bars-lightsquared-broadband-network-plan/|date=September 22, 2013}}. February 14, 2012. Retrieved February 14, 2012.</ref> LightSquared is challenging the FCC's action.{{update inline|date=March 2021}}