How a Slice of Spectrum Split the US Government

Federal departments and agencies are lined up on different sides of a debate pitting the development of fifth-generation, wireless telecommunications networks against safety and national security concerns associated with the Global Positioning System. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai circulated a draft order to approve satellite communications company Ligado’s application for use of frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum that opponents say would interfere with the reliable operation of GPS applications. But he was acting against the recommendation of some executive branch agencies represented in an April 10 letter from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The letter warned that approving the application would compromise the integrity of GPS, which is managed by the Air Force and is integral to many commercial uses such as routine banking transactions as well as sensitive military operations. Ligado’s opponents, including former FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell, say the company’s claims its spectrum use will advance 5G are disingenuous. Ligado and supporters of Pai’s action say the Defense Department’s opposition is based on outdated testing from 2016 and that a modified proposal would use lower power levels that aren’t expected to disrupt GPS receivers.