Dec. 17, 2021
The GPS Innovation Alliance (GPSIA) and Iridium Communications Inc. voiced objections surrounding the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NAS) review of FCC Order 20-48, allowing Ligado Networks LLC to operate a low-power terrestrial radio network adjacent to the Global Positioning System (GPS) frequency band.
The erroneous authorization poses significant risks of harmful interference to civilian and defense users of GPS. Additionally, the proposed mitigation measures do not constitute sufficient prevention of severe consequences for DOD and civilian operations and activities, including mobile satellite services.
To that end, in a letter to Dr. Jon Eisenberg and Dr. Ryan Murphy dated September 16, 2021, Iridium strongly encouraged the addition of scientists or engineers with experience in analyzing mobile satellite services interference issues. For the safety and security of the industry, it is in the best interest of all parties involved to ensure MSS interference concerns are appropriately addressed.
The GPSIA also found conflicts of interest within the makeup of the committee as well as with the technical information presented for the NAS study, and has raised concerns in letters written to Dr. Eisenberg, Director of the NAS Computer Science and Telecommunications Board, on three separate occasions thus far.
Read below for more:
Iridium recommends the addition of members experienced in the study of MSS communications systems
September 16, 2021 — Iridium’s concerns of interference from Ligado’s terrestrial operations differ markedly from the concerns raised by GPS users.
November 17, 2021 — Alliance reiterates that apparent issues with the provisional committee panel risk irretrievably compromising the panel’s work.
November 10, 2021 — Alliance submits important technical information and conclusions about the impact that Ligado’s operations will have on the day-to-day operation of GPS devices in the U.S.
September 17, 2021 — Alliance presents concerns to National Academies about potential sources of bias and conflicts of interest of the provisional committee panel.