The FCC-Approved Ligado Network and Potential Technical Issues for DoD Use of GPS

reportActive / Technical Report | Accesssion Number: AD1169911 | Open PDF

Abstract:

On April 20, 2020, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously authorized an application by Ligado Networks LLC (Ligado) to deploy a low-power [9.8 decibel watts (dBW)]terrestrial nationwide network in the 1526-1536 MHz, 1627.5-1637.5 MHz, and 1646.5-1656.5 MHz bands [of the electromagnetic spectrum] that will primarily support Internet of Things (IoT) services. These frequency bands are traditionally used for satellite operations. The Department of Defense (DOD)opposed this decisionalong with the Departments of Homeland Security, Transportation, the Interior, and Justice; the Federal Aviation Administration; and othersdue to concerns that Ligados proposed network could interfere with signals from satellites to Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers. Congress may consider the FCCs decision, as well as DOD and other federal agency concerns about the decision, as it conducts oversight of the FCC. Congress may also consider broader issues related to fifth generation (5G) mobile technologies, such as the allocation of spectrum among competing users and the impact of spectrum decisions on national security and GPS modernization.

Author(s):
Hoehn, John R. ; Mccall, Stephen M. ; Sayler, Kelley M.
Author Organization(s):
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS WASHINGTON DC
Funding Organization(s):
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE WASHINGTON DC, WASHINGTON , DC
Document Type:
Technical Report/Research Note
Publication Date:
2020 Jun 01
Pagination:
3

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution Code:
A - Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement: Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TRECMS
Subject Terms
Modernization Areas:
Space
Communities of Interest:
Space
Descriptor(s):
national security, congress, global positioning systems, department of defense, internet of things, homeland security, security, united states government, artificial satellites, control systems, command and control, electromagnetic spectra, frequency bands, medium earth orbits, navigation, networks, precision-guided munitions
Keyword(s):
Ligado Network
Subject Categories:
Navigation, Detection and Countermeasures; Navigation, Detection and Countermeasures; Space Technology
Creation Date:
2022 May 27
Update Date:
2022 Jul 06