Cell phone networks—in fact, virtually all networked technology—depend on the highly precise time signal from the Global Positioning System (GPS) for synchronization and spectrum efficiency.

The problem is that GPS signals are very weak and easy to disrupt. They have been disrupted by solar flares, malfunctioning electrical and electronic equipment, and poorly mounted TV antennas. Small illegal GPS jammers have become popular with privacy seekers and criminals, and U.S. adversaries are known to employ larger jammers that can deny GPS over very large areas.

The Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Standards (ATIS) has regularly warned that GPS disruptions could severely impact U.S. telecommunications networks and have encouraged the government to establish a complementary and backup system for GPS.

The RNT Foundation is working to safeguard GPS services by advocating policies and systems to Protect, Toughen, and Augment them.

Here are a few of the many resources we have available on GPS and telecommunications networks:

Use of GPS PNT in Communications Sector

ATIS Letter to DOT 2015

ATIS Letters to Congress 2017