A new cellular broadband provider with plans to harness the radio spectrum immediately adjacent to that used by the Global Positioning System (GPS) could end up jamming GPS signals and threaten the viability of satellite navigation systems across the U.S., according to a new industry group formed to protect GPS interests.

The Coalition to Save Our GPS (www.saveourgps.org) was formed after LightSquared Inc. (www.lightsquared.com) received a tentative license in January from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to use the 1525 to 1559 megahertz (MHz) spectrum for its hybrid land and satellite-based high-speed broadband system. LightSquared officials have said that its system will include 40,000 land-based transmitters, in addition to a satellite already orbiting over the U.S.

Read more as David Hest explains the GPS industry’s concerns in a Farm Industry News Blog.