Washington D.C. – Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Ralph Hall (R-TX) and Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee Chairman Paul Broun (R-GA) today released the following joint statement after an announcement by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that they intend to suspend LightSquared LLC’s conditional waiver to operate a ground-based network that could interfere with the Global Positioning System (GPS).

The recent decision by the FCC to suspend LightSquared’s conditional waiver to operate as a ground-based network is the right decision.  Rigorous testing found that the network would interfere with GPS – especially high-precision receivers used by the scientific community.  Opening up more spectrum for broadband remains a national interest, but not at the expense of GPS.  This is, however, a two way street.  GPS receiver manufacturers, users, and agencies also have to be mindful that spectrum scarcity will continue to be a challenge and must work together to efficiently utilize spectrum.  Thankfully, the FCC’s decision will help ensure that the United States maintains its leadership in positioning, navigation, and timing.”

The Science, Space, and Technology Committee held a hearing on September 8, 2011 that highlighted the impacts of the proposed LightSquared network on federal science activities.