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Woolpert voices concerns about network’s effect on GPS

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Staff Report 11:56 AM Tuesday, December 20, 2011

BEAVERCREEK — Woolpert Inc. has added its voice to those concerned that a Virginia company’s plan for a nationwide high-speed wireless network would interfere with GPS technology critical to military and commercial communications.

Woolpert, an aerial mapping and engineering design company based in Beavercreek, said it is concerned that operation of the envisioned LightSquared Inc. wireless network would interfere with GPS-based communications essential to business operations of Woolpert and others. The global positioning system (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system.

The Air Force has expressed similar concerns this year to Congress, pointing out that transmissions that hamper GPS could affect U.S. military operations, federal control of national airspace, border security and maritime operations, as well as ground navigation for civilian agencies responding to emergencies.

LightSquared, of Reston, Va., said it has moved its radio frequencies farther away from the core GPS frequencies and is working with GPS device makers on technology that would eliminate interference for precision GPS devices.

U.S. Reps. Steve Austria and Mike Turner, both of the Dayton area, are among those urging tighter government scrutiny of LightSquared’s proposal.

Austria, R-Beavercreek, is backing legislation to prevent the Federal Communications Commission from allowing LightSquared to proceed with its broadband network until the GPS interference concerns are resolved.

Turner, R-Centerville, backs legislation that would require the secretary of defense to notify Congress if it is determined that a commercial communications service would interfere with the military’s use of GPS.

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