GPS Users Fear Getting Lost In Wireless Expansion : NPR [13Jun11] - 0 views
-
GPS devices have become ubiquitous: Millions of drivers rely on them for directions.
-
The government hopes to construct a new air traffic control system based on GPS navigation rather than the use of radar.
- ...7 more annotations...
-
But a multibillion-dollar proposal to provide broadband Internet access using satellites and a network of 40,000 antennas could interfere with their devices. This could potentially make it harder for first responders to find emergencies, aviators to fly and drivers to navigate
-
"Wireless devices will work in every single part of the country," the video explains. "People will be able to send e-mail from the Grand Canyon. Download a full-length movie in mere minutes while on the move. Make a phone call far away from Anywheresville."
-
the problem is that the radio signals the broadband carrier wants to use for its wireless network would interfere with signals GPS uses.
-
the government's own tests have shown the LightSquared signals cause some GPS receivers to lose signal strength and others were knocked out entirely.
-
part of the radio spectrum which the FCC granted to LightSquared is right next door to the part of the spectrum GPS services use.