Broadband network could jam GPS

Published 12:01 am Saturday, June 11, 2011

New government test results show that a proposed high-speed wireless broadband network being launched by a company called LightSquared could jam GPS systems used for aviation, public safety, military operations and other uses.

The results released this week by a federal working group come amid mounting concern that LightSquared’s planned network could cripple GPS systems embedded throughout the nation’s infrastructure. And they raise questions about whether the government will allow LightSquared to turn its network on as scheduled next year.

In January the Federal Communications Commission gave LightSquared approval to build a nationwide fourth-generation wireless network.

It would wholesale access to other companies that will rebrand the service under their own names.

Associated Press