If you’ve been following the tale of LightSquared, a well-funded company which attempted to use radio frequency spectrum adjacent to that used by GPS, you may be aware how incredibly weak the satellite signals we use to navigate and shoot approaches really are. Thankfully, LightSquared, which I referenced in this space in our January issue, was recently denied approvals to build its terrestrial Wifi network in part because of its disastrous effect on GPS. But just because it appears LightSquared won’t be a continuing challenge to GPS doesn’t mean others might not appear.
In particular—and for the same signal-strength reasons LightSquared’s plans didn’t work—GPS is incredibly easy to jam. In fact, the military regularly holds exercises in which GPS jamming is conducted—check Notams and you’ll likely find mention of one. But that’s not the problem.
