GPS Threat

[silverking]

In light of the current threads on safety and electronics, this news is especially important to BBF.net members. Please take a few minutes and send comments to the FCC supporting its decision to block Lightspeed from disrupting the GPS network. As much as we gripe about government agencies, we need to also let them know when they do the right thing. This issue hasn't been totally resolved yet, so comments will ensure the GPS satellite network remains reliable and user-friendly.


NEWS From BoatUS
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
BoatUS Press Room at http://www.BoatUS.com/pressroom

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: D. Scott Croft, 703-461-2864, SCroft@BoatUS.com
Photo Available at: http://www.BoatUS.com/pressroom/preview ... es/758.jpg
Photo Caption: A reliable GPS system is critical for safe navigation, says BoatUS.

BoatUS: We Aren't Out of the Woods Yet
on Navigation System Concerns

Public Comments to FCC Needed by March 1

ALEXANDRIA, Va., February 24, 2012 - While boaters view the FCC's move on February 14 to revoke approval of a new broadband telephone network shown to interfere with the country's sole navigational system as positive news, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) says we aren't out of the woods just yet. It is urging boat owners to continue to submit comments to the FCC by a Thursday, March 1 deadline to ensure the nation's system of global positioning devices keeps boaters safely on course.

Last summer, over 18,000 boaters along with many other GPS users wrote the FCC asking the guardian of the nation's airwaves to stop plans by LightSquared, the builder of the proposed broadband network, until independent tests proved there would be no interference with GPS devices which operate on adjacent frequencies. LightSquared originally asked the FCC for permission to build 40,000 network ground stations across the country. Recent government reports concluded interference issues with the GPS system could not be overcome.

"Despite the great news last week that the FCC has acknowledged interference issues with the LightSquared proposal, we're not ready to declare a victory," said BoatUS President Margaret Podlich. "Given this company's tenacity over the last year, we want to make sure that boaters' needs are remembered as the FCC makes their final decision."

Here is how to file comments to the FCC through their online comment form:

Click on this link for the FCC's Electronic Comments Filing System: http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/hotdocket/list
Select "Proceeding Number 11-109."
Enter contact information.
In the box that says "Type in or paste your brief comments," here's some important points to select from:
• Explain how you use GPS in your life - on the water, on land or in the air.
• What would happen to your business/personal life if GPS became unavailable or unreliable?
• Wireless broadband service is important, but it should not come at the expense of GPS.
• All the studies show that LightSquared's proposed network would cause interference and that there are no remedies.
• Tell the FCC that you rely on them to protect the integrity of the GPS signal and that you support their recommendation to stop LightSquared's current proposal.
Click "Continue."
If the review page is correct, click "Confirm." Done!
If you have any trouble, you may contact the FCC ECFS Helpdesk at 202-418-0193 or email at ecfshelp@fcc.gov.

[Mister Mullet]

What about the military? If GPS is compromised, how will we guide bombs and missles to their targets? Sounds like a terrorist plot to me. Just sayin'

[Steve Stinson]

Dave -
I did not see this thread when you first posted it. LightSquared is the company who had / then lost FCC approval for the sattelite / cell phone network that would have interfered with the present gps signals. Being that this would have caused chaos in the land surveying industry and many other industries relying on gps signals, I have been recieving regular legislative updates via email. Here is the latest one I received this afternoon:

LightSquared CEO resigns, will remain chairman
By Steven Overly

The chief executive of Reston-based LightSquared has resigned from the company's top position, the firm announced Tuesday, the latest sign of tumult after the Federal Communication Commission revoked its prior approval of the company's wireless network earlier this month.

Sanjiv Ahuja, who has served as CEO since the venture launched in July 2010, will remain chairman of the board. Doug Smith, chief network officer, and Marc Montagner, chief financial officer, will serve as interim co-chief operating officers while the company searches for a new CEO.



Ahuja's resignation comes one week after the firm said it would lay off 45 percent of its 330 staff members, about two-thirds of whom are located in the Washington region.

The company has denied rumors it will consider filing for bankruptcy.

LightSquared was formed by hedge fund billionaire Philip Falcone's investment fund, Harbinger Capital, with a commitment of $14 billion, The Washington Post has reported. Falcone will join the firm's board of director's according to the news release.

A spokesman for Ahuja declined to comment beyond the news release. A call to the company's spokesman has not yet been returned.

LightSquared is seeking to build a wholesale wireless network that pairs an on-the-ground broadband infrastructure with satellites. Those plans hit a major snag after several federal agencies and industry leaders said the signals would interfere with global positioning technology.

Steve Stinson
President
NFGFC

PS - Capt Dave - Thanks for all you do to keep us informed with threats to our fishing.

[silverking]

Thanks for the follow-up, Steve. Sounds like another Solyndra-type situation--grandiose plans but little foresight and research.

And yes, MM, it would have definitely had an impact on military readiness as well.

Not totally put to bed yet hence the alert, but it does seem like the covers are nearing the headboard.

[silverking]

Even though Lightsquared is on the ropes from a management aspect and it seems like this request will be denied, the FCC has extended the comment period to March 16, so it's still not a done deal.

Please send comments to the FCC links posted above. It only takes a few minutes. Let the FCC know why dependable GPS signals are important to you as a boater and angler.

Thanks,