Birthing Pains For The Next Generation

WASHINGTON – A new, ultra-fast wireless Internet network is threatening to overpower GPS signals across the U.S. and interfere with everything from airplanes to police cars to consumer navigation devices.

The problem stems from a recent government decision to let a Virginia company called LightSquared build a nationwide broadband network using airwaves next to those used for GPS. Manufacturers of GPS equipment warn that strong signals from the planned network could jam existing navigation systems.

A technical fix could be expensive — billions of dollars by one estimate — and there's no agreement on who should pay. Government officials pledge to block LightSquared from turning on its network as scheduled this year unless they receive assurances that GPS systems will still work.

It's time to make a choice.  What we choose now will affect the technology we build on for decades to come.  Ideally, compatibility will be on the minds of developers instead of competition.  If we are going to tear down walls and rebuild them, the time is now before we invest any more.  The problem is, there are a lot of questions about jurisdiction and precedence, and no obvious answers on the table.  Who gets to make these decisions, and who should oversee and be responsible for our data infrastructure?  The two interests that are fighting it out both have a fair interest in our future.  Instead of battling, cooperation will go a long way in making this work for everyone.