FCC Rules to Prevent GPS Interference

On Tuesday the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rejected LightSquared’s plans for a 4G broadband network. The decision was largely influenced by final recommendation from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which is a joint panel consisting of nine federal agencies. The NTIA sent a letter to the FCC saying the group “cannot support” further deployment of LightSquared’s technology since there is no practical way to mitigate potential interference of the company’s transmissions with GPS signals at this time. AGC was part of a coalition effort to block Lightsquared’s initiative because of its potential impact on the use of GPS in construction. LightSquared is considering its next step, possibly legal action against the FCC and/or GPS industry. Thanks to all AGC members who shared their concerns with elected officials on this potential interference. Transportation Tracks Part of AGC Federal Contractors Conference AGC’s Federal Contractors Conference, April 16-19, 2012, is the only national event where AGC contractors and Federal agency personnel can meet in a neutral forum and review procurement and contracting issues from around the United States. These insightful and highly productive exchanges have solidified the need for both Federal construction contractors and the Federal construction agencies to share information on a wide variety of issues and foster better communication and real solutions. This year’s meeting will once again offer a transportation track that will include representatives from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Federal Railroad Administration who will address market trends, changes in federal policies, procurement issues, safety, new technologies and other issues. This is your opportunity to ask questions and get insight into the direction of these federally assisted construction programs. For more information and to register please visit AGC’s website.