BoatUS: Navigation System Concerns Still an Issue with Latest Move by LightSquared

FCC Extends Public Comment Period Through March 16

Just a few days ago, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) cautioned that America's boaters weren't out of the woods just yet with the possibility of the country's sole electronic navigation system failing as the result of radio signal interference issues from a newly proposed cellular broadband network. Yesterday, the FCC green-lighted an extension of the public comment period to the network's proposed builder, LightSquared, to allow comments through March 16. BoatUS continues to urge boaters and all users of GPS to submit comments to the FCC to ensure the nation's system of global positioning devices keeps Americans safely on course.

A reliable GPS system is critical for safe navigation, says BoatUS

"At every turn LightSquared has proven its resiliency to delay the inevitable," said BoatUS President Margaret Podlich. "This latest move is no surprise, and we hope the additional two weeks gives GPS users the chance to have their voice heard," added Podlich.

Last summer, over 18,000 boaters, along with many other GPS users, wrote the FCC asking the guardian of the nation's airwaves to stop plans by LightSquared until independent tests proved there would be no interference with GPS devices which operate on nearby frequencies. LightSquared originally asked the FCC for permission to build 40,000 network ground stations across the country. Recent government reports concluded interference issues with the GPS system could not be overcome.

Here is how to file comments to the FCC through their online comment form:

  1. Click on this link for the FCC's Electronic Comments Filing System: http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/hotdocket/list
  2. Select "Proceeding Number 11-109."
  3. Enter contact information.
  4. In the box that says "Type in or paste your brief comments," here are some important points to select from:
    • Explain how you use GPS in your life - on the water, on land or in the air.
    • What would happen to your business/personal life if GPS became unavailable or unreliable?
    • Wireless broadband service is important, but it should not come at the expense of GPS.
    • All the studies show that LightSquared's proposed network would cause interference and that there are no remedies.
    • Tell the FCC that you rely on them to protect the integrity of the GPS signal and that you support their recommendation to stop LightSquared's current proposal.

  5. Click "Continue."
  6. If the review page is correct, click "Confirm." Done!

If you have any trouble, you may contact the FCC ECFS Helpdesk at 202-418-0193 or email at ecfshelp@fcc.gov.

About BoatUS: BoatUS - Boat Owners Association of The United States - is the nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing over half a million members with government representation, programs and money-saving services. For membership information visit www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.

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