NTIA Comments in Response to FCC Notice of Inquiry on Promoting the Development of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Technologies and Solutions

In opening this inquiry, the Federal Communications Commission grapples with vulnerabilities in a bedrock United States Government-provided technology, the Global Positioning System (GPS). 

The Commission’s “whole of government” approach aligns with Executive Branch operations, authorities and initiatives. In these comments, NTIA highlights the key roles Federal agencies play in sustaining and improving Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services.

The Commission’s “system of systems” approach seeks to ensure that the information gathered in this proceeding is comprehensive, among other benefits. At the same time, the Commission flags a number of challenges. The record amassed in this proceeding promises to help to clarify and potentially prioritize policies for PNT.

NTIA agrees with the Commission’s emphasis on incentivizing complements or augmentations to GPS. NTIA will work with Federal agencies and the Commission on how best to accomplish this. Following more extensive interagency coordination, NTIA intends to supplement these comments.