By: J. David Grossman, Executive Director, GPS Innovation Alliance February 3, 2020
As we get settled into 2020, the GPS Innovation Alliance (GPSIA) is gearing up for another busy year. 2019 marked several major milestones for our organization, including our first-ever “GPS Tech Demo Day;” an inaugural lobby day on Capitol Hill; the launch of the bipartisan House and Senate GPS Caucus; the introduction of a bicameral resolution in support of GPS; and the addition of Collins Aerospace as a new GPSIA member, to name just a few of our achievements.
While 2020 may have only just begun, we have already co-hosted a Capitol Hill briefing on the role that satellites, including GPS, play in enabling emerging technologies; submitted a joint statement to the Senate Commerce Committee highlighting the space industry’s role in supporting our nation’s global technological competitiveness; and in the coming days, our op-ed on the “1 dB standard” will appear in the February issue of GPS World. So, what else should you expect from GPSIA this year? Allow me to share some thoughts on our priorities for this year.
Spectrum Policy
Protection of GPS signals from harmful interference remains our highest priority. This manifests itself in many forms, including our advocacy for maintaining the 1 dB standard. The 1 dB standard is a readily identifiable, objective, and predictable metric that helps ensure that systems operating in an adjacent spectrum band do not interfere with GPS.
We are also closely watching petitions filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) involving Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) technology. GPSIA supports innovation and efficient use of spectrum but is concerned that changes to the FCC's UWB rules could open the door to interference to GPS. Turning to the international stage, GPSIA will continue its advocacy for maintaining legal certainty for commercial GNSS products sold into Europe under the EU’s Radio Equipment Directive (RED).
Resiliency
GPSIA recognizes that our nation’s increasing reliance on GPS and other GNSS technologies for critical infrastructure, means we must talk about resiliency. We believe this is best achieved through application-specific requirements that are driven by customers who are most knowledgeable about their needs, not by general regulations or government fiat. Different categories of GPS users can and should define and specify performance and resiliency requirements appropriate for their applications.
At the same time, we will continue to advocate for robust enforcement of FCC rules which prohibit the operation of GPS jammers and spoofers. Enforcement is critical to protecting our military operations, aviation, and other safety-of-life applications that depend on GPS.
Infrastructure Modernization
As we outlined in joint testimony submitted for the Congressional record last year, it is imperative that we invest in a 21st century national infrastructure. In almost every aspect of our infrastructure ecosystem, from the building of roads and bridges to the modernization of our nation’s air traffic control system, GPS plays an integral role. The new generation of Lockheed Martin-built GPS satellites are an important part of these infrastructure modernization efforts, enabling greater accuracy, enhanced anti-jamming capability, and improved assistance for first responders in detecting and locating emergency transponder beacons. In pursuit of this goal, GPSIA will advocate for continued funding for the GPS III program and other upgrades to GPS infrastructure.
GPSIA also supports the Moving FIRST Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation that promotes technological innovation in our nation’s cities and recognizes the critical role GPS plays in making our communities smarter, more efficient, and eco-friendly.|
SATELLITE 2020
Finally, we are excited to be partnering with the organizers of SATELLITE 2020. This year’s show, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., will feature two GPSIA organized sessions on March 11th: “Unleashing Economic Growth & Innovation through GPS” and “The Role of Precision Agriculture in Feeding the World.” Both sessions are open to all attendees. GPSIA will also have a booth (552) on the show floor, so stop by and “say hello.” If you have not yet registered for SATELLITE 2020, you may use the code ‘GPS4SAT20’ for free access to the exhibit hall as well as discounted conference pricing. Learn more by visiting https://www.satshow.com/.
GPSIA is proud to be the preeminent voice of the GPS industry, advocating for the legislative, regulatory, and technical issues needed to ensure the long-term strength of GPS. Should you have any questions about our work or are interested in becoming a member, please don’t hesitate to reach out.