WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) today called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deny licensing to LightSquared, a broadband provider, after more testing confirms interference with critical Global Positioning Systems (GPS).

“While I will continue to support efforts to expand broadband across the U.S., particularly in underserved rural parts of Kansas, any proposal that could have negative impacts on aviation, navigation and safety, is unacceptable and cannot go forward without unequivocally proving that it doesn't interfere with these systems. The results are clear—the FCC should deny this license."

Last week, an interagency group of Department of Defense and Department of Transportation officials, known as the National Executive Committee for Space-Based Positioning, Navigation and Timing (EXCOM), sent a letter to the head of National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), summarizing results of the most recent testing conducted by multiple federal agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration, showing that LightSquared's proposed terrestrial broadband network would interfere with critical GPS dependent aviation systems.

Sen. Roberts has been outspoken on the need to protect public safety, military, aviation and precision agriculture uses of GPS from potential harmful interference.

In May, 2011, Sen. Roberts and Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) sent a letter to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, asking him to take all necessary steps to protect GPS.

In November, Roberts introduced an amendment to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from using any appropriated funds to allow LightSquared to build out a broadband network until the agency could prove the expansion will not interfere with GPS. Similar legislation was signed into law as part of the consolidated Appropriations bill.

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