March 6, 2025: The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on March 5 that it plans to vote next month to explore alternatives to the global positioning system (GPS) due to national security concerns over relying on a single system that is crucial to modern life.
GPS, a network of satellites and receiving devices used for positioning, navigation, and timing on Earth, is integral to the operation of everything from ships and planes to cars. FCC chair Brendan Carr emphasized the need for developing redundant technologies, stating, “Continuing to rely so heavily on one system leaves us exposed.”
Reports have indicated a rise in GPS interference globally, particularly since 2023, known as spoofing. These interferences have raised fears of an increased risk of accidents if planes veer off-course. “Disruptions to GPS have the potential to undermine the nation’s economic and national security. And the risks to our current system are only increasing,” Carr said, noting that President Donald Trump and a bipartisan group of lawmakers have been calling for action for years.
The FCC will vote on March 27 on an inquiry to explore other Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems that can complement or serve as alternatives to GPS. Carr expressed hope that this effort would engage stakeholders across government and industry to encourage the development of new PNT technologies and solutions.
GPS is a crucial navigation tool in aviation, having replaced expensive ground devices that guided planes toward landing. However, GPS relies on signals broadcast from satellites in medium Earth orbit, making it vulnerable to disruptions.
In 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it was working with interagency and international partners on global navigation satellite system authentication capabilities to combat spoofing.