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Post by tomanoble on Feb 16, 2011 7:27:34 GMT -9
A friend who is also a ham radio operator sent me a link today to a most disturbing action by the FCC which has the potential to change our world of geocaching. Seems the FCC approved the use of a frequency next to the gps bandwidth by high power transmitters that have the potential to override and block gps signals within a varying distance from the tramsmitters depending on where they are. As a ham radio operator he saw the same battle fought against the FCC when they tried to allow Broadband over Powerlines a while back. In both cases the FCC ignored technical evidence that said these are bad ideas in favor of companies which paid for using the bandwith blocking systems. Lightspeed Squared is a company which wants to use Satellite bandwith to provide wireless internet via high powered ground based rebroadcasters that will bleed over and jam the gps frequencies. Even though the DoD and FAA objected they still approved the proposal in a fast tracked application process. Instead of saying it was the responsibility of Lightspees Squared to resolve issues they laid it upon the gps community to fix the problem. freegeographytools.com/2011/how-the-fcc-plans-to-destroy-gps-a-simple-explanationThis link was provided by MOOG (Missoula Organization of Geocachers) which is the local geocaching organization in Missoula Montana. |
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Post by NorthWes on Feb 16, 2011 13:51:09 GMT -9
Several systems already installed & operational in US military aircraft (including the B-2 bomber) had to be completely replaced (not just re-tuned) as a result of the FCC giving away frequencies too close to military operational sections of the bandwidth of frequencies available. It's insane to think the FCC would allow this - but they've already made similar decisions which have cost our military hundreds of millions of dollars. Scary...
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Post by NorthWes on Feb 18, 2011 9:03:10 GMT -9
Well, here's what the USAF has to say about this issue
(from the Air Force Assn's Daily Report dated 2-17-2011):
GPS in Jeopardy: Global Positioning System navigation and timing signals, used widely both in the civilian and military sectors, are under threat from a new commercial broadband network, said Gen. William Shelton, Air Force Space Command commander, Thursday. The Federal Communications Commission recently issued a license to LightSquared—a company headquartered in Reston, Va.—granting this firm the right to produce a 4G broadband network that uses both satellites and ground sites, Shelton explained in remarks at AFA's Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition in Orlando, Fla. The company's business plan, he said, calls for roughly 40,000 towers to be built across the United States—mostly in urban areas where GPS is commonly used. Leading GPS manufacturers have concluded that the towers actually jam GPS signals that are within 12 miles of the towers, he said. "If we allow the system to be fielded, and it does indeed jam GPS, imagine the impact," said Shelton. Deputy Defense Secretary Bill Lynn recently sent a letter to the FCC addressing the military's concerns with the deal, Shelton noted.
If USAF Space Command is concerned, it's a serious issue. Write your congressional representatives!
Beyond geocaching, this has serious impact on commercial & general aviation as well as ocean navigation.
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Post by NorthWes on Mar 21, 2011 8:41:24 GMT -9
More on what the US Air Force is doing about this issue (from today's 'Daily Report' issued by the Air Force Association)...
From Analytical to Empirical: The Air Force is studying the equipment that a commercial telecommunications company wants to introduce across the United States because of its likely interference with the Global Positioning System signal, Gen. William Shelton, Air Force Space Command boss, told House lawmakers last week. The company, LightSquared of Reston, Va., seeks to erect up to 40,000 towers mostly in US urban centers for a new 4G broadband network. "We believe from what we have seen thus far that virtually every GPS receiver out there would be affected," said Shelton. He continued, "What we're looking for now from the company is actual hardware that they plan to use so that we can collect empirical data as opposed to analytical data." This technical analysis is due for delivery to the Federal Communications Commission—which is mulling whether to grant the company an operating license—"by the June timeframe," said Shelton. He noted that the company shifted its business model from a "largely a space-based effort with terrestrial augmentation," to "a terrestrial-based network with space augmentation." Deputy Defense Secretary Bill Lynn recently wrote FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski "strongly" recommending that the commission defer final action until the analysis is completed.
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Post by SSO JOAT on Jul 20, 2011 11:28:18 GMT -9
Folks, we only have until July 30th... a mere 10 days from now... to enter comments to the FCC on the LightSquared GPS interferrence issue. As of this moment, there are only 1,313 comments entered from the public. That's pretty dismal considering the 200,000,000 people in this country who use GPS in one way or another. Please go enter some comments!FCC Electronic Comment Filing SystemFCC Public Notice |
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stoweak
Bronze Cacher
Mr. & Mrs.
Posts: 90 
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Post by stoweak on Jul 21, 2011 10:07:25 GMT -9
thanks for the links, Scott. done today
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Post by ladybugkids on Jul 27, 2011 11:00:26 GMT -9
More info and a link to Groundspeak's blog on the subject: Geocachers and all GPS users are being encouraged to let the FCC know our thoughts about a proposed high speed wireless network to be installed by LightSquared. The network will use frequencies very close to the frequency used by the GPS system and testing has shown that LightSquared's network can jam GPS devices used for aviation, surveying, emergency services, agriculture, the U.S. Coast Guard and personal GPS navigation devices. Live tests confirmed ambulances and police vehicles lost GPS signal within 600-1000 feet of a LightSquared tower. The FCC has asked for feedback from the public on the report. Comments will be taken until Saturday, July 30. The “reply to comments” period then lasts until August 15. After the public comment period is closed, the FCC can announce a decision at any time. Please click on the below link to read Groudspeak's blog that has more information about the network and instructions on how to file comments with the FCC: blog.geocaching.com/2011/07/help-save-our-gps-geocachers-rally-to-stop-potential-gps-signal-interference/Alternatively, you can go directly to the FCC's site by clicking here: fjallfoss.fcc.gov/ecfs/upload/begin?procName=&filedFrom=XJuly 30 is this Saturday, so don't delay in submitting your feedback to the FCC. I know I don't want my Nuvi losing it's location in the heart of Los Angeles or Houston during my next business trip. I also know urban hides are difficult enough to find without battling complete loss of signal. |
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Post by SSO JOAT on Jul 30, 2011 7:22:58 GMT -9
Deadline is TODAY! Get 'er done. Only takes 3 minutes...
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