Category: Mobile

Garmin hit by massive ransomware attack

Fitness wearables disconnected for one day and counting

Garmin fitness devices have been disconnected for nearly a day after the company suffered a major outage, reports the Verge.

The outage may be caused by a ransomware attack. The outage was first reported by Garmin July 23. It affects Garmin wearables, apps and call centers, which has made customer support impossible.

The message on the Garmin Connect website reads, “We’re sorry. We are currently experiencing an outage that affects Garmin.com and Garmin Connect. This outage also affects our call centers, and we are currently unable to receive any calls, emails or online chats. We are working to resolve this issue as quickly as possible and apologize for this inconvenience.”

Garmin Connect allows customers to obsessively track their exercise performance and fitness goals. FlyGarmin, the navigation service that supports Garmin’s aviation devices, has also been down affecting some pilots, reports ZDNET.

The ransomware attack has encrypted Garmin’s internal network and some production systems, according to ZDNET. The company is planning a multi-day maintenance window to deal with the attack’s aftermath, which includes shutting down its official website, Garmin Connect, FlyGarmin, and even some production lines in Asia.

Screenshot: Garmin website

July 24, 2020
Quectel, Broadcom launch GNSS positioning module for eMobility

Quectel Wireless Solutions, a global supplier of cellular and GNSS modules, has released the LC29D module.

Photo: Quectel

The LC29D is a sub-meter level GNSS module that integrates dead reckoning (DR) and multi-band (L1/L5) real-time kinematic (RTK) algorithm technologies with fast convergence times and reliable performance. The module supports dual-band GNSS raw data output and integrates 6-axis IMU sensor to deliver high-accuracy positioning performance in seconds.

Based on the Broadcom BCM47758 GNSS chip, the LC29D can concurrently receive signals from up to six constellations (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, IRNSS, BeiDou and QZSS) at any given time, which maximizes the availability of sub-meter level accuracy.

Combining GNSS signals from dual-frequency bands (L1/L5) and RTK technology enables the LC29D to achieve high performance even in difficult conditions such as dense urban canyons. The module can also mitigate multipath effects in urban cities.

The LC29D offers a position update rate of up to 30Hz (fusion output), enabling dynamic applications like shared eMobility, delivery robots and precision agriculture to receive position information with lower latency. By enabling easy integration of advanced RTK multi-band algorithms, the module helps developers quickly bring their devices to market.

The high-precision module offers better performance than products in the market in positioning precision, sensitivity, time to first fix (TTFF), update rates and latency.

Embedded with 6-axis MEMS sensor, devices powered by the LC29D can quickly report motion, which enables consistent high-precision positioning capabilities when combined with the DR algorithm, even in weak-signal environments such as tunnels and underground parking structures.

July 16, 2020
Cohda Wireless partners with u-blox on next-generation V2X

Cohda Wireless has partnered with u-blox to produce an advanced V2X solution for the global Cooperative Intelligent Transport market. With the partnership, Cohda’s V2X software stack will support the u-blox UBX-P3 DSRC/802.11p V2X chip.

Cohda Wireless and u-blox have a long-standing relationship and share a common vision of leveraging wireless technology to reduce the number of road accidents and fatalities across the globe.

The u-blox chip enables wireless vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, now enhanced with Cohda’s hardware-agnostic software applications.

Cohda said its software is widely deployed in the industry, providing 360° awareness and detecting hidden threats beyond anything a driver or on-board sensors can see.

Cohda Wireless Chief Engineer Fabien Cure said that the partnership offers the market an advanced V2X solution that will be of particular interest to Tier 1 auto makers, OEMs and road authority suppliers.

“In order to progress vehicle safety, OEMs need to produce vehicles that have embedded V2X wireless communication technology as a standard inclusion,” Cure explained. “Likewise, cities around the world are preparing for the introduction of wide scale cooperative intelligent transport systems.”

Cohda’s V2X software is in production vehicles of GM and Volkswagen.

“Connectedness is the key to safer roads and highways around the world and a technology solution of this calibre is an enabler of further trials and development in this sector that we warmly welcome,” added Mr Cure.

“The porting of Cohda’s leading V2X onto our high-performance UBX-P3 chip is an important proof point that both our solutions are interoperable and enable a swift integration into automotive platforms,” said Herbert Blaser, senior director, Product Center Short Range Radio at u-blox.

Cohda’s software products are applied in more than 60 percent of all V2X field trials in the world today in compliance with U.S. Federal Communications Commission and European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standards.

“When we connect vehicles to each other and to roadside infrastructure, we are creating an intelligent and integrated road transport system that has the potential to reduce road accidents simply because the technology is capable of things humans aren’t,” added Cure.

Image: Cohda Wireless

July 13, 2020
Microchip updates BlueSky GNSS Firewall Software

Image: Microchip

U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s live-sky testing evaluations influenced development of BlueSky GNSS Firewall Software Release 2.0

Microchip Technology Inc. has released a major software update for its BlueSky GNSS Firewall product, providing a higher level of resiliency against GPS vulnerabilities for systems dependent on GPS signal reception.

Such systems include critical infrastructure such as power utilities, financial services, mobile networks and transportation that rely on GPS-delivered timing to ensure ongoing operations.

Microchip’s BlueSky GNSS Firewall Software Release 2.0 performs real-time analysis to detect jamming and spoofing for protecting reception of the GPS signal and hardening response and recovery to avoid signal disruption.

Release 2.0 includes charting and advanced threshold settings of GNSS observables such as satellites-in-view, carrier-to-noise, position dispersion, phase time deviation and radio frequency (RF) power level to simplify system turn-up and deployment.

The release also includes improvements developed by Microchip as a result of participation in a 2019 industry live-sky testing event hosted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate.

Microchip’s participation in the DHS-hosted GPS Testing for Critical Infrastructure (GET-CI) events included scenarios with spoofed signals, and helped the company identify new solutions to prevent signal disruptions. As a result, Microchip developed the Release 2.0 to address operators’ evolving requirements.

As a leader in frequency and time systems, Microchip continuously innovates GPS signal reception security technologies for commercial and military operators similar to how network firewalls protect against virus threats. Updates are essential to defend against rapidly-evolving GNSS disruptions and enable critical infrastructure operators to avoid interruptions of service.

When connected to Microchip’s TimePictra management software, critical infrastructure operators can monitor and analyze GNSS signals in cities, across geographic regions, throughout a country and even globally.

Other complementary devices and software in Microchip’s suite of GPS systems and services include the TimeProvider 4100 Precise Timing Grandmaster with Gateway Clock, SyncServer 600/650 timing and frequency instrument, miniature atomic clock (MAC), Time Cesium and 5071A cesium primary frequency standard.

June 24, 2020
GMV creates mobile app to for safe return to work

Technology multinational GMV has launched Covclear, a mobile app to ensure a safer and more efficient return to work after the COVID-19 lockdown.

The application helps to make sure offices will be a safe workplace while minimizing the risk posed to the health of employees or other persons who are working in open workplaces in an environment of maximum safety and protection.

The app is collaborative and relies on a principle of co-responsibility between the company and its employees to protect their own health and the health of their relatives and workmates.

Covclear integrates all the following in a single platform: a daily medical health check of all employees; recording of trips to restricted sites; contact tracing within the firm; control of office access by means of temperature readings; quarantine management; and control of site occupancy. It also publishes the company’s healthcare crisis rules.

First and foremost, it offers a self-check prepared by clinicians to assess the state of people and pinpoint any contagion risk before they commute to work. On the basis of employees’ daily responses, the app determines their risk level on their own phone, generating a workplace accessing QR color code.

A red code would trigger automatic three-day contract tracing, giving all these contacts instant and anonymous warning so they can act accordingly. All this is conducive to the ongoing safety of all work colleagues.

Covclear also allows for management of site occupancy, assigning days of on-site working to employees and thereby ensuring maintenance of optimum occupancy levels in places with a large number of workstations.

The app developed by GMV has been designed to protect information at source, thereby guaranteeing data-protection compliance at all times. The company will have access only to the QR code color for carrying out the corresponding access control and to gain an overview of the company’s state of health.

Covclear, which is already successfully up and running in some company offices, springs from the company’s own safety needs. It has been set up in only a few weeks thanks to the company’s wealth of expertise in the development of technology and mobile apps.

At the same time, and mindful that it could be useful for third parties, GMV is also making this app available to its clients and suppliers and to any other firm that might be in need of such safe going-back-to-work services.

Covclear includes four applications: iOS and Android user apps, an Android personnel access control app, and an administration web tool for the company. The data is kept in totally dependable, GDPR-compliant cloud servers.

June 23, 2020
Optical Zonu offers ‘GPS at the Edge’ for 4G/5G small cell deployments

The huge current investment in deploying 5G mobile networks is promoted by setting high expectations for significantly increased throughput and reduced latency.

This can only be realized by deploying the network radios close to the users, especially for the millimeter-wave frequencies with their short propagation distance.

This also means a high density of radios, often imbedded within macro coverage.

To coordinate seamless functioning, network synchronization accuracy must be much higher than with legacy deployments, according to Optical Zonu. The greatly enhanced data throughput with advanced features such as aggregation, massive multiple-input/multiple-output (MIMO) and beam steering require highly accurate network timing and phase coordination.

Small cells close to a network’s edge are usually far from the hub where the grandmaster timing server generates the PTP timing signal and sends it to the network edge over the Ethernet backhaul. The long runs require multiple hops through routers and switches. Each of these adds dynamically changing packet delays depending on network loading. Also, there are inevitable asymmetries between the upstream and downstream packet delays. These timing errors can result in a drastically reduced network performance.

One way to correct these timing errors is to connect an edge grandmaster server at the small cell location connected to the local backhaul router. Connecting the GPS directly to each of the small cells is the other way.

The GPS approach is simple in concept, but has been problematic since, with small cells distributed in the facility, many or all the units can be far from a window where a GPS antenna could be mounted.

Optical Zonu, a U.S. carrier-approved supplier of RF-over-fiber transport solutions, has solved this problem with its GPS at the Edge kit. The GPS-over-fiber solution distributes GPS to each small-cell location alongside the backhaul.

A compact GPS fiber antenna unit connects to a GPS antenna on the roof. A single cable connection to this unit provides power to the unit and brings the fiber-optic connection to an optical splitter, which is collocated with the local router for the small-cell backhaul.

The fibers from this splitter are routed along with the backhaul cable to each small-cell location, where they each connect to a small fiber base unit that recovers the GPS signal and connects it to the auxiliary GPS port on each small cell.

Optical Zonu offers two variants.

Small cells with fiber-optic backhaul. Higher power cells typically use a fiber-optic backhaul and require local AC power. In this case, one of the fibers in the cable to each small cell is used for the GPS connection, and each base unit connects to the local AC power with an adapter. In this case, the only additional cable needed is the single run to the rooftop.

Diagram: Optical Zonu

Small cells with a CATx backhaul. This setup is typical for lower power small cells. In this architecture, a single fiber is pulled along with the CAT6 backhaul cable. A single hybrid fiber/CAT6 cable can also be used. The fiber is connected to a small fiber base unit at each small cell to recover the GPS signal, which is connected to the small cell auxiliary GPS port. The CAT6 is also connected to the fiber base unit. The backhaul is passed through from the small cell, and the PoE++ is tapped to power the base unit. Once again, the only additional cable pull is the single run to the rooftop antenna — local power isn’t needed at every small cell location.

Diagram: Optical Zonu

The Optical Zonu GPS at the Edge kit provides an easy-to-install and cost-effective solution that guarantees the highest timing and phase accuracy for a network that is vendor agnostic and, as with the edge grandmaster approach, still has the central PTP as a backup.

For more information, visit Optical Zonu.

June 17, 2020
EndRun introduces compact, high-performance time and frequency standard
New GPS-synchronized Ninja Precision Timing Module provides a myriad of time and frequency outputs with high performance in a small, low-power platform.

Photo: EndRun

EndRun Technologies, a provider of precision time and frequency solutions, has released the high-performance Ninja Precision Timing Module (PTM). The third-generation Ninja — optimized for size, weight and power (SWaP) — can be easily integrated into 1U host systems or deployed as a cost-effective standalone solution.

The resilient GPS-synchronized Ninja is based on the core of EndRun’s Meridian II Precision TimeBase instrument. Up to nine optional, user configurable, time and frequency outputs are available with accuracy, stability and ultra-low phase noise. Ninja’s network interface includes a robust Network Time Protocol (NTP) server as well as secure management.

Three OCXO reference oscillators are available to meet price-performance requirements. Advanced users can optimize Ninja with EndRun’s innovative Real-Time Ionospheric Corrections (RTIC) to directly measure and compensate for ionospheric delay of received GPS signals in real-time.

“The Ninja Precision Timing Module is another breakthrough solution from EndRun that provides an abundance of outputs in a small form factor without compromising performance,” said Michael Korreng, senior R&D engineer, EndRun Technologies. “The high-level of integration and output versatility readily integrates into many mission critical applications including SATCOM, tactical communications, signal intelligence, security camera synchronization, digital broadcast, network synchronization, range timing, and many more.”

Key Ninja performance specifications with Ultra-Stable OCXO, Real-Time Ionospheric Corrections, and calibration are:
- Time accuracy of <10 nanoseconds RMS to UTC(USNO)
- Frequency accuracy better than 4×10-14 (100k second average)
- Short-term stability 4.0×10-13 at 1 second
- Ultra-low phase noise 10 MHz (<-110 dBc @ 1 Hz offset)
- Programmable Pulse Rates from 1 PPS to 10 MPPS
- Ethernet port with a Stratum 1 NTP server (2500 packets per second)
- IEEE 1588 PTP grandmaster option (future release)
- Low power (<6 watts) with 9-18 VDC input. (External AC/DC supply available)
- Chassis: 1.5”H x 4.44”W x 5.3”D
The Ninja PTM is available now.
June 15, 2020
Syntony GNSS, Chronos Technology partner on GNSS underground coverage

GNSS Underground Coverage for Tunnels, Stations, Car Parks, Bus Stations and Airports in the U.K.

Syntony GNSS and Chronos Technology have formed a partnership to deliver underground GNSS positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) solutions for critical infrastructure applications in the United Kingdom.

Syntony GNSS is a leader and expert in the design and manufacture of GNSS systems, and Chronos Technology is a resilient GNSS system integrator.

GNSS coverage has become fundamental to many services from emergency services to asset tracking for example. Yet when entering an underground area such as a metro/subway, tunnel, car park, airport, or bus station for example, the GNSS signal is lost.

Syntony’s SubWAVE solution expands the GNSS coverage to underground areas, enabling the localization of any equipment with a standard GNSS chipset. Examples include standard smartphones and the TETRA Emergency Services Network handset used for security and services. Security and services applications include locating emergency calls, keeping track of staff, locating faults in tunnels, managing assets, locating trains and providing guidance.

A Syntony team member in a Swedish road tunnel during SubWAVE testing shows the positioning in an underground environment on a smartphone. (Photo: Syntony GNSS)

By emitting a perfect emulation of the “real” GNSS signal, SubWAVE offers underground operators, their staff, emergency services and the general public the benefit of full GNSS coverage in all underground areas for both operational and safety reasons.

One fundamental aspect is the user only needs a standard GNSS receiver (a smartphone or TETRA radio) — no new handsets, receivers or apps are required. The system operates by broadcasting synthetic location specific GNSS signals through existing or new leaky feeder cables in the tunnels.

Accuracy levels vary with leaky feeder and system complexity options; however, 2-meter accuracy is possible with a standard smartphone. The system is widely installed in the Stockholm metro and is in active trials throughout Europe and America.

“We are pleased to form a partnership with GNSS specialists Chronos,” said Joel Korsakissok, president of Syntony GNSS. “Their knowledge and experience, together with their dedicated installation, commissioning and support teams complement our sophisticated solutions.”

“Since its first general availability, one of the well-known shortcomings of the GPS system was lack of indoor or underground coverage,” said Charles Curry, managing director with Chronos. “Many have tried to solve this with various technologies over the years. Syntony’s innovative technology offers underground GNSS coverage for PNT applications. We are very excited by the possibilities and pleased to be partnering with them to offer their solution for critical infrastructure applications in the UK.”

In addition, Chronos will also supply Syntony’s sophisticated GNSS simulators used in the aerospace and defence industries for product testing.

June 15, 2020
TDC and Freeance field apps join with Trimble GIS

TDC’s Freeance field applications leverages Trimble GNSS for accurate, streamlined data collection

TDC Group has joined Trimble’s GIS (geographic information system) Business Partner Program. As part of the program, TDC has implemented the Trimble Precision SDK (software developer kit) to integrate high-accuracy positioning capabilities in its Freeance mobile software applications running on tablets and smartphones using Trimble GNSS receivers.

Freeance provides field crews with simple yet powerful and configurable location-based mobile apps to manage data collection and inspection activities across utility and public works organizations. By adding the Trimble R1 and R2 receivers to Freeance workflows, users are empowered with real-time access to high-quality, reliable data.

The Trimble R1 receiver will be accessible with TDC’s Freeance software. (Photo: Trimble)

“Trimble recognizes the value our GIS software partners bring to our customers by delivering targeted, industry-specific solutions,” said Stephanie Michaud, strategic marketing manager, Trimble Survey & Mapping Field Solutions. “We’re very pleased to collaborate with TDC and leverage their domain expertise, and to integrate Trimble technology into the Freeance solution for the utilities and public works markets. As a direct result of this relationship, Freeance users can now work with the confidence of knowing their field workflows are precision-enabled with Trimble GIS technology.”

“We’re excited about the integration of high-accuracy Trimble GNSS receivers with Freeance software that enables organizations to add sub-meter or better accuracy to mobile workflow activities using smartphones and tablets,” said Matthew Reddington, CEO of TDC Group. “Adding high-accuracy positioning to field workflows by means of simple mobile apps paired with Trimble GNSS increases the quality and uses of data captured during field operations.”

June 9, 2020
ADVA launches ePRC optical cesium clock for network backup

Photo: ADVA

ADVA has launched a ePRC optical cesium atomic clock solution to protect synchronization networks during GNSS disruptions. The OSA 3350 ePRC+ offers vital backup for mission-critical infrastructures that depend on satellite-based timing, such as mobile networks and power utilities.

The Oscilloquartz OSA 3350 ePRC+ provides high stability and long life, as well as built-in support for Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) . It also meets stringent performance demands as well as the cost points needed for mobile networks transitioning to 5G.

Featuring an all-digital design, the OSA 3350 ePRC+ leverages optical-pumping techniques. It greatly improves performance by providing an extremely stable frequency source.

When used with enhanced primary reference time clocks (ePRTCs), the OSA 3350 ePRC+ delivers holdover for 14 days with an accumulated error of up to 35 nanoseconds. This far exceeds the ITU-T ePRC G.811.1 standard that requires an accumulated error under 70 nanoseconds.

The OSA 3350 ePRC+ also delivers optimum stability for more than 10 years, much longer than the lifespan of high-performance magnetic cesium clocks.

With a fully modular design, the optical cesium solution features a wide range of telecom synchronization output interfaces and supports modern and secured management capabilities with SNMP. It is RoHS-compliant and is fully integrated into ADVA’s Ensemble management and control software suite for operational simplicity and ease of use.

June 3, 2020
Focus Telecom installs GPSdome to protect Israel’s ‘national clock’

Photo: InifiDome

The national time system at Israel’s National Physics Laboratory (INPL) in Jerusalem is now protected by a GPSdome unit for cyber protection of GPS/GNSS signals, according to Israel’s Homeland Security, a private company established in 2012.

Microchip partner Focus Telecom installed the GPSdome cyber protection system under a support and maintenance contract. GPSdome was developed by infiniDome, an Israeli startup.

INPL’s Nadya Goldovsky will now test and measure the system for its ability to protect the GPS/GNSS satellite signals from jamming and other interference. Over the course of several months, Goldovsky will test the system’s ability to protect its four independent atomic clocks, which continuously supply Israel’s national time.

The cyber protection system is designed to enable continuous, uninterrupted GPS/GNSS service, which allows for full operation of the clocks. During a GPS cyber-attack, infiniDome’s Communication Module will report it to infiniDome’s Cyber Security Cloud.

“GPSdome is a cyber protection system developed based on military technologies and principals which was adapted to non-military, commercial use,” said Omer Sharar, infiniDome’s CEO. “Our systems are already deployed and operational in Israel at multiple sites in the defense/HLS sector, border protection, financial sector and telecom sector.”

The company has signed a global distribution contract with an international PNT solution provider to sell its GPSdome systems in more than 120 countries, Sharar said.

May 22, 2020
Seven petitions call on FCC to reverse Ligado order
Dozens of parties cite evidence of harmful interference and vast economic harm that FCC ignored in favor of dubious 5G marketing claims

Dozens of private-sector interests will file Petitions for Reconsideration of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) recent order to allow Ligado Networks to rezone its satellite spectrum holdings for terrestrial mobile use and “flip” them for a profit, according to the Washington, D.C.-based communications firm Glen Echo Group.

Petitioners will ask the FCC to reconsider its decision, which has generated widespread opposition within the administration, on Capitol Hill and from other aviation and satellite spectrum users. Petitioners include:
- Airline Pilots Association
- Association of Equipment Manufacturers
- Aviation interests (including the Cargo Airline Association, the International Air Transport Association and Airlines for America)
- Iridium Communications
- Lockheed Martin
- Trimble
- RNT Foundation
The petitioners argue the FCC’s Order ignored or improperly disregarded the great majority of evidence, including technical analyses submitted by parties showing harmful interference, and relied instead on “easily disproven claims that Ligado will provide a so-called 5G service,” the Glen Echo Group stated in a press release.

“The L-band is not included in any internationally recognized 5G standard, the spectrum is not harmonized regionally or globally for 5G, FCC’s 5G FAST Plan does not include Ligado or L-Band spectrum nor does the company have enough contiguous spectrum,” the release stated.

Airlines for America. “Airlines for America (A4A) strongly supports a broad industry coalition that has led at least 32 U.S. Senators from both sides of the aisle to urge the FCC to stay and reconsider granting Ligado Networks’ petition to repurpose critical frequency spectrum for ‘5G’ terrestrial communications services. The FCC’s rushed order in April ignored testing protocols intended to protect critical users likely to be impacted, including aviation uses of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for navigation, and satellite communications. Beyond industry opposition, the U.S. Department of Defense also strongly opposed the FCC’s action.

“A4A is joining other industry constituents in directly petitioning the FCC to reverse its course, the effects of which could impact the safety of the flying public and impact operations, especially harmful outcomes in the recovery period following the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Aerospace Industries Association. The association represents more than 300 companies.
“Uninterrupted access to GPS is essential not only for our industry, but also for the American people, our national security, and the strength of the U.S. economy. This access is now threatened by the FCC’s decision to grant Ligado Networks’ application, despite years of evidence and the concerns outlined by several federal agencies about potential interference. With this motion, we are banding together to urge the FCC to reconsider this decision and allow safety and data to drive their decision-making on spectrum.”

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents some 290 airlines or 82% of global traffic said, “Approving Ligado’s spectrum for 5G poses a strong risk of interference with GPS signals, including the potential interruption of GPS signals at low altitudes. The FCC should reverse this decision.”

Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). President Capt. Joe DePete said, “Throughout its report and order, the FCC uses words like ‘possible’ and ‘feasible’ when talking about whether Ligado can operate. These are not the words you would want to hear your Captain use when talking about successfully completing your flight the next time you are sitting in the cabin. Aviation requires certainty and guaranteed performance from its systems. The FCC’s hasty, arbitrary, and incorrect decision will set a disastrous precedent that will impede ongoing work on spectrum sharing. The Ligado decision must be reversed immediately.”

Aviation Spectrum Resources Inc. “In jointly filing a petition for reconsideration of the FCC’s recent decision on Ligado Networks’ proposal, ASRI joins the wider aviation community in expressing our view that the decision is based on a fundamentally flawed interpretation of the data that have been presented to the Commission. Among other deficiencies, the FCC’s decision ignores the FAA’s reservations cited by the Department of Transportation, having implications for many low-level aircraft operators including helicopters and UAVs. The FCC Order also seems to acknowledge the mounting evidence that aviation safety satellite communications will receive interference, but it relies on the completion of private negotiations to resolve these questions while giving Ligado a green light to proceed, rather than requiring specific mitigations itself. ASRI believes the FCC should revisit its decision in conjunction with aviation experts to ensure the safety of air transport, medivac and other essential aviation operators are not affected by this decision.”

Iridium Communications. CEO Matt Desch said, “The FCC’s Ligado action prioritizes economic windfalls to a few speculators over safety of life, national security and important private sector companies whose customers would be most upended by their harmful interference.”

RNT Foundation. President and Director Dana A. Goward said, “The FCC treated this like a commercial communications issue instead of a decision about safety-of-life navigation. They didn’t even consider the overall cost to the public in lost lives and property.”

In addition to private sector interests, 14 federal agencies and numerous Republican and Democratic members of Congress oppose the FCC’s decision in favor of Ligado.

Feature image: A-Digit/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty Images
May 21, 2020