Performance Impacts of the LightSquared ATC Reference Stations on High Precision Geodetic Receivers

K.A. Berstis, G.L. Mader, N.D. Weston, W.A. Stone, G.L. DeAngelo, F.E. Marion

Abstract:	The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) granted LightSquared (a wireless broadband provider) a waiver on January 26, 2011 to establish a high density ?terrestrial? network in the MSS band adjacent to the GPS L1 band. The LightSquared Long Term Evolution (LTE) base station signals are in the 1525 MHz – 1559 MHz band with handset signals in the 1626.5 MHz – 1660.5 MHz band. In response to the FCC waiver, GPS receiver manufacturers and a number of federal agencies raised concerns about potential interference to GPS receivers and other devices that may result from operation of LightSquared’s base stations. A Technical Working Group (TWG) was established including participation by LightSquared, GPS manufacturers and users, and representatives from the federal government to conduct tests to evaluate the interference impacts of the LightSquared Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATC) reference stations. The National Coordination Office (NCO) also tasked the National Space-Based PNT Systems Engineering Forum (NPEF) working group to conduct an assessment of the LightSquared potential interference effects. The Federal Aviation Administration also requested that the RTCA, Inc. (an advisory group for the FAA operating under the Federal Advisory Committee Act) to conduct an assessment of LightSquared potential interference effects on aviation. Laboratory tests (conducted and radiated) and Live Sky testing were completed on seven categories of GPS receivers representative of the non-military use of GPS in the United States: aviation, cellular, consumer, general location/navigation, high precision, networks, timing, and space applications. Tests results are presented primarily for the high precision geodetic and surveying receivers during Live Sky testing at Holloman AFB and Las Vegas with the initial LightSquared deployment plan and follow on anechoic chamber tests with these types of receivers with the modified LightSquared deployment plan.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 2012 International Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation January 30 - 1, 2012 Marriott Newport Beach Hotel & Spa Newport Beach, CA
Pages:	625 - 668
Cite this article:	Berstis, K.A., Mader, G.L., Weston, N.D., Stone, W.A., DeAngelo, G.L., Marion, F.E., "Performance Impacts of the LightSquared ATC Reference Stations on High Precision Geodetic Receivers," Proceedings of the 2012 International Technical Meeting of The Institute of Navigation, Newport Beach, CA, January 2012, pp. 625-668.
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