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What’s new:

• A press release from the National Assn of Broadcasters (NAB) about their Broadcast Positioning System (BPS) that uses television signals to provide positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services.
• Also, BPS supported by eLoran timing will be featured at the upcoming NAB Show and discussed by a panel on the 5th of April.

Why it’s important:

• Establishing PNT alternatives to GPS in the U.S. is critical, especially considering how resilient China, Russia and others are to disruption.
• BPS can be implemented using existing infrastructure and allocated spectrum and not interfere with any other users or uses.
• eLoran can also be implemented on existing infrastructure (AM radio and similar towers) and it has its own internationally reserved frequency spectrum.

What else to know: The panel discussing this at NAB Show will:

• Be moderated by RNT Foundation Advisor Pat Diamond
• Include RNT Foundation board member GEN William Shelton, USAF (ret)
• Include reps from RNT Foundation members NAB and UrsaNav

 

Five Years After Call to Action, NAB Delivers Innovative Technology To Protect U.S. Critical Infrastructure

Washington D.C.– On this five-year anniversary of President Trump’s Executive Order 13905, which called for strengthening the resilience of Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services, the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) is highlighting its groundbreaking Broadcast Positioning System™ (BPS™) as a proven solution to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure, economic security and public safety. 

Invented and patented by NAB, BPS is a first-of-its-kind technology that leverages the ATSC 3.0 broadcast standard to transmit precise timing signals. Unlike GPS, which relies on satellites that can be vulnerable to jamming, spoofing and cyberattacks, BPS provides a high-power terrestrial-based solution that ensures critical systems remain operational even during GPS disruptions. 

“President Trump’s Executive Order 13905 was a turning point, recognizing the vulnerabilities of GPS and calling for the urgent need to strengthen national resilience through secure, alternative PNT solutions. NAB answered that call with the invention of BPS,” said Sam Matheny, NAB executive vice president and chief technology officer. “By leveraging local TV stations and the NextGen ATSC 3.0 broadcast standard, BPS strengthens our nation’s lifeline critical infrastructure by providing an independent and resilient solution to ensure our economic and national security.” 

Why BPS is Essential

GPS acts as the backbone of the nation’s infrastructure, delivering precision timing vital for: 

• The power grid: Synchronizing energy distribution to prevent blackouts. 

• Telecommunications: Ensuring seamless cellular, 5G and broadband connectivity. 

• Emergency services: Supporting first responders and public safety communications. 

• Financial markets: Enabling split-second accuracy for trades and transactions. 

• Transportation systems: Coordinating air traffic, shipping and logistics. 

However, GPS satellites can be vulnerable to cyberattacks, jamming and spoofing, making a complementary, independent system critical. BPS addresses these vulnerabilities by: 

• Operating without GPS: BPS functions independently of GPS, internet or cellular connectivity, ensuring resilience during outages or disruptions. 

• Leveraging existing infrastructure: Local TV stations using ATSC 3.0 can provide immediate, secure timing signals with nationwide scalability. 

• Providing immediate value: Today, 77% of Americans can access ATSC 3.0 signals, with rapid deployment underway to expand coverage nationwide.

Recent Progress and Findings 

A National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) study confirmed BPS as a viable complementary PNT solution. The study concluded, “BPS time transfer is comparable to or better than the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), making BPS a viable complementary PNT solution when GNSS is unavailable.” 

Meanwhile, the National Security Space Association notes that the economic value of GPS to the U.S. is measured in trillions of dollars, and the consequences of its disruption or loss could be catastrophic, impacting transportation, critical infrastructure and national security.   

A National Call to Action 

To fully realize the potential of BPS, policymakers must prioritize the nationwide deployment of ATSC 3.0. Congress can expedite this transition to ensure BPS protects critical infrastructure and strengthens economic resilience. 

“Local TV and radio stations have always been at the forefront of public safety and emergency communications,” Matheny said. “With BPS, NAB has pioneered a cutting-edge solution that protects our nation’s most vital systems and ensures long-term security, reliability and economic stability.” 

For more information about BPS, visit nab.org/bps. 

About NAB

The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America’s broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at nab.org.