FCC to vote on GPS alternatives amid rising interference fears
Reports of GPS interference and spoofing attacks have increased since 2023, raising safety fears.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is set to vote next month on exploring alternatives to GPS due to growing national security concerns.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr warned that relying on a single system for navigation and timing leaves the United States vulnerable to disruptions. Reports of increased GPS interference, particularly spoofing attacks since 2023, have raised fears of accidents if aircraft are misdirected.
Concerns over GPS security have been discussed for years, with President Donald Trump and bipartisan lawmakers calling for action.
The FCC’s March 27 vote will launch an inquiry into alternative Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems that could complement or replace GPS. The aim is to encourage innovation in navigation technology and strengthen resilience against disruptions.
GPS plays a crucial role in aviation, replacing traditional ground-based navigation systems. However, its reliance on satellite signals makes it susceptible to interference.
The Federal Aviation Administration is already working on global authentication measures to counter spoofing threats and improve the security of satellite-based navigation.
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