US lawmakers have raised concerns about the potential economic impact of a successful attack on the Global Positioning System (GPS). They highlighted the threats posed by China and Russia and discussed alternative technologies for backup positioning and timing services. Both parties acknowledged the critical role of GPS in various sectors and the risks associated with jamming and spoofing incidents.
During a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee hearing, Chairman Richard Hudson emphasized the widespread reliance on GPS beyond navigation apps. He stressed that a significant failure of GPS due to adversarial activities could have devastating consequences for the American economy. Hudson cited instances of Russian jamming affecting GPS signals, underscoring the need for enhanced security measures.
Ranking Member Doris Matsui pointed out the extensive dependence on GPS in daily life activities, from internet connectivity to emergency response. She warned that a major disruption of GPS services could impact crucial systems like communications networks, aviation, and supply chains nationwide. Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie highlighted the risks faced by service members due to GPS interference in conflict zones abroad.
Witnesses at the hearing emphasized the importance of a resilient positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) approach. Lisa Dyer from the GPS Innovation Alliance praised the reliability of GPS but cautioned against the rising incidents of localized interference affecting aviation and maritime operations. She called for stricter enforcement against illegal disruptions and urged for the modernization of GPS infrastructure.
Various experts proposed alternative systems to mitigate the risks associated with GPS disruptions. Sam Matheny discussed the Broadcast Positioning System (BPS) as a potential solution to reduce economic and national security risks linked to GPS dependency. Mariam Sorond highlighted the vulnerability of the US due to the lack of a terrestrial backup network, contrasting it with China and Russia’s ground-based backup systems.
The hearing also addressed disagreements over proposals involving the lower 900 MHz spectrum band. Stakeholders expressed concerns about potential interference with existing services used by various sectors. Lawmakers stressed the importance of thoroughly testing any future backup system to enhance resilience without imposing significant costs on consumers or disrupting current services. GPS, initially a military development, now plays a crucial role in sectors worldwide, from aviation to precision agriculture.
