LS is planning to do satellite and base station. It's the base stations that are the issue.
Turns out that government studies indicate that the spectrum LS was going to use is TOO CLOSE to the GPS spectrum.
They knew it was close all along, such as way back in 2004 LS got permission for the 1525-1559 MHz spectrum.
LS will whack out the GPS system since it needs to operate at a shitload of power in order to deliver its Internet service.
LS will interfere with GPS because most GPS receivers were built with the assumption that there is no traffic next door on the spectrum, and thus are susceptible to interference from that adjacent spectrum.
When you build your driveway across the empty adjacent lot, don't complain when people move in and tear out your driveway to build their house.
LS THEN tried to contend that the GPS services could modify THEIR systems and hardware to be compatible with LS.
Yes, they are saying that maybe GPS manufacturers could STOP LISTENING TO THE ADJACENT SPECTRUM, and listen to only theirs.
They knew it was close all along, such as way back in 2004 LS got permission for the 1525-1559 MHz spectrum.
LS will interfere with GPS because most GPS receivers were built with the assumption that there is no traffic next door on the spectrum, and thus are susceptible to interference from that adjacent spectrum.
When you build your driveway across the empty adjacent lot, don't complain when people move in and tear out your driveway to build their house.
Yes, they are saying that maybe GPS manufacturers could STOP LISTENING TO THE ADJACENT SPECTRUM, and listen to only theirs.
Good points you make, no doubt. But, my point is that no matter how much lipstick you put on a pig - its STILL a pig ...
I am NOT focusing strictly on Obama, but back in 2004, the potential problems with LS were theoretical and NOT proven. Now, they are. It was prudent to allow LS to go forward at the time - just as NOW prudent to deny them the license, since the problems have been verified.
LS knew the risk in 2004, and when youse pay your money - youse take yer chances.
To say that EVERYBODY else can modify their equipment is ludicrous. Who is gonna pay the cost? Not everything can be done remotely via a software download.
For example, I engineered a network for a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier [CLEC] - with equipment in 122 Verizon Central Offices in 7 states. Thats about 20% penetration.
The GPS Stratum 1 Timing/Network Timing Protocol [NTP] systems I had installed are gonna require a chip change in each unit if LS gets its way. AND, Verizon technicians DON'T do that work - MY three techs have to do it.
I estimate approximately 4000-5000 man-hours to do the work, warehouse support, driving time, per diem, etc. Its gonna cost approximately $100-$150K.
IS LS GONNA REIMBURSE MY COMPANY FOR THIS JUST SO THEY CAN PROVIDE SERVICE? NO!
And this is JUST one company - think of ALL the others who are potentially affected ...