FCC Weighs Competing Proposals for GPS Alternatives
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More than 100 companies and industry organizations made comments that were due this week pertaining to the Federal Communications Commission’s Notice of Inquiry examining technologies complementing, or supplementing, the U.S. Global Positioning System. This action comes after the FCC ended public comments in September 2024 on NextNav’s NN 0.00%↑ petition to reallocate the lower 900 MHz spectrum for its proposed PNT service and 5G broadband.
As part of the process, which will conclude on May 13, there were two petitions that seem to have most of the interest of both companies and industry associations. The first, and most contentious, was from NextNav. The other is television broadcast positioning system, or BPS, which is championed by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB). BPS, which was invented and patented by NAB, uses the ATS 3.0 broadcast standard to transmit timing signals.
Other alternatives or complements to GPS that can provide PNT services include low-Earth orbit networks such as SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s $AMZN Kuiper.
In addition, Xona Space Systems, Iridium Satellite Time and Location service and TrustPoint are either offering, or planning to offer, additional PNT enhancements. Other technology includes eLoran, and Mobile Broadband Systems, and Navsys’s PNT as a Service (“PNTaaS”).
Saying there is no single solution, NextNav said it supported the FCC’s approach to “advance a system of systems” to PNT resiliency. “At least one terrestrial solution should rely on market forces to deliver a terrestrial, widescale PNT solution that is broadly available to critical infrastructure, public safety, and consumers, and has a clear path to incorporation in end-user devices,” the company said.
NextNav has said that its proposal won’t cost the U.S. taxpayer any money. “Our approach delivers a scalable, terrestrial solution that strengthens national GPS resilience without a dime of taxpayer money,” said Ed Mortimer, NextNav’s vice president of government affairs. “We do it by leveraging spectrum already licensed to NextNav and by tapping into the power and scale of 5G. The private sector can contribute to a system-of-systems approach to resiliency, and NextNav looks forward to working with industry stakeholders and the FCC to help solve an urgent national security problem.”
Others are not so sure, saying that NextNav, in essence, could be cornering $5 billion in spectrum with a positive FCC decision. Others are championing space-based LEO PNT they say it covers more ground than terrestrial systems.
The GPS Innovation Alliance, in their FCC comments, also proposed complementary PNT to provide fully nationwide and/or global coverage. However, the association says that GPSIA highlights that while jamming and spoofing refer to intentional acts to disrupt a signal or falsify data, the actions are “sometimes discussed in the context of potential adverse impacts to GPS” and “do not reflect vulnerability of GPS satellites or receivers.”
Even though there were more than 100 comments from companies and organizations, including Apple AAPL 0.00%↑, which was protecting its product line, there were a few big industry names missing for some reason. “Every company offering PNT services and related equipment should comment,” said Dana Goward, Resilient Navigation and Timing Foundation president, in a LinkedIn post.
Overall, the FCC’s inquiry aims to understand the advantages and disadvantages of these emerging PNT applications based on factors such as performance, adoption, scale, coverage, durability, cost, and commercialization, the agency said.
NHTSA Eases Automated Vehicle Restrictions, Crash Reporting
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said last week that it will change its autonomous vehicle rules to make it easier for companies to roll out new systems on public highways. NHTSA also said it was removing unnecessary and duplicative requirements for reporting AV crashes and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
While some view the announcement as kind of a tip of the hat to Tesla TSLA 0.00%↑, which saw its stock rise after the announcement, the Trump Administration has indicated it is more of a AV competition with China.
“This Administration understands that we’re in a race with China to out-innovate, and the stakes couldn’t be higher,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, in a statement. “As part of DOT's innovation agenda, our new framework will slash red tape and move us closer to a single national standard that spurs innovation and prioritizes safety.”
The government says the new framework focuses on a risk-based approach, outlining safety standards and performance requirements that AV developers must meet. It also establishes guidelines for data sharing, cybersecurity, and ethical considerations surrounding AV deployment. The Transportation Department believes the new framework, which it believes will create a consistent regulatory landscape for both state and federal regulators, will prevent a patchwork of conflicting regulations that could hinder the technology's progress.
Framework Follows Scrutiny of Tesla Crashes
The unveiling of the new federal guidelines comes amid increasing scrutiny of existing automated driving systems, particularly Tesla's Autopilot feature. According to a recent Chicago Tribune report, federal regulators have been examining numerous crashes involving Tesla vehicles where Autopilot was suspected of playing a role. These investigations have raised questions about the current safety standards and the limitations of existing partial automation technologies.
While not explicitly mentioning Tesla, the focus on risk-based assessments and performance standards suggests a move towards more robust oversight of all levels of automated driving technology, including those currently available to consumers. The DOT's emphasis on data sharing could also provide regulators with more comprehensive information to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of these systems in real-world conditions, the Tribune reported.
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US Air Force Awards Indra Air Traffic Up to $198M for Navigation System Upgrade
The U.S. Air Force has awarded Indra Air Traffic a contract valued at up to $198.36 million to modernize its fleet of Man-Portable Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) systems. The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, announced Monday, extends until April 27, 2032, and encompasses the design, engineering, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of the portable navigation technology. These systems are critical for providing precise navigational guidance to both military and civilian aircraft in diverse operational environments, Indra Air Traffic said.
The portable TACAN systems are used in situations where traditional GPS-based navigation may be unreliable, unavailable, or intentionally disrupted. They offer a self-contained and rapidly deployable solution for establishing accurate aircraft positioning and guidance.
Indra's contract also includes the potential for future upgrades to the systems, ensuring they remain technologically current and capable of meeting evolving operational demands, the company said. It also mentioned that the Air Force's investment underscores the ongoing importance of robust and resilient tactical navigation capabilities.
Under the terms of the agreement, the manufacturing of the upgraded TACAN systems will take place at Indra's facility located in Overland Park, Kansas. This aspect of the contract highlights the company's established presence and capabilities within the U.S. defense industrial base, the company said.
Mobilisights and Zubie Partnership Gives Access to Data from Millions of Vehicles
Mobilisights has partnered with fleet management company Zubie to leverage Mobilisights' access to embedded telematics data from millions of Stellantis vehicles in the United States. Zubie will use Mobilisights' Fleet Plus Data Pack real-time vehicle information allow fleet managers to get vehicle’s performance, driver behavior, reduce costs and other grab other telematics data.
Mobilisights, which is a Stellantis business unit, says the direct access to OEM-grade data eliminates the need for aftermarket hardware installations. The collaboration between Mobilisights and Zubie signifies a growing trend in the automotive and fleet management industries towards leveraging embedded vehicle data for enhanced services and operational insights.
In addition, Fleet Plus Data Pack offers information about mileage, fuel consumption, vehicle health diagnostics and driver behavior metrics. In turn, fleet expert Zubie can offer predictive maintenance alerts, fuel efficiency monitoring, and driver safety scoring.
Looking ahead, Mobilisights realizes the value of embedded vehicle data to create solutions for various industries as a larger industry niche. By partnering with established players in the fleet management space, Mobilisights aims to accelerate the adoption of data-driven strategies.
Weekly Location Industry News
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Top News:
✈ Anti-Jamming GPS Upgrades Coming This Year. “At the end of May, the Space Force plans to launch the eighth of 10 GPS III satellites, just a few months after launching the seventh spacecraft in the series.”
🛳 Spire Global Closes Stalled $241 Million Maritime Sale. “Spire Global has closed the $241 million sale of its commercial maritime tracking business to Belgian analytics provider Kpler, ending a legal dispute over the stalled transaction. Vienna, Virginia-based Spire said April 25 it used proceeds from the sale to pay off its roughly $100 million in outstanding debt.”
🏛 Companies Protest FCC’s Ligado Decision on Decision’s 5th Anniversary. More than 90 organizations signed letters to President Donald Trump and the U.S. Congress to request that the FCC overturn its Ligado order from five years ago.
👉 Exploding Cargo. Hacked GPS Devices. Spoofed Coordinates. Inside New Security Threats in the Skies. Editor’s Note: Hell, even Vanity Fair is writing about GPS hacking/spoofing…
👏 Woolpert Selected to Implement Trimble Asset Management System Solution for San Diego International Airport. “San Diego International Airport has selected Woolpert to implement Trimble Unity Maintain enterprise asset management system. The solution, built on the ESRI ArcGIS platform, will help streamline maintenance operations at California's third busiest airport.”
🤞 Say Goodbye to GPS – Magnav With Its Q-CTRL Quantum Technology Could Make It Obsolete. “Using quantum sensors and the Earth’s natural magnetic field as its guide, MagNav not only dodges interference but also crushes traditional backup systems, clocking in up to 50 times more accurate. In short: GPS, your replacement has entered the chat.”
⚡ LoRa Alliance Brings LoRaWAN to IoT Solutions World Congress. Includes a number of members who offer real-time location for safety and security, asset tracking, and industrial IoT.
⏱ Identiv and Tag-N-Trac Target IoT Tracking for Cold Chain Pharma Deliveries. “Identiv and Tag-N-Trac plan to develop and commercialize a smart labelling solution for cold chain tracking across pharmaceutical supply chains in a new strategic business development and marketing partnership.”
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Maps
🗺 Google Maps Copies the Best Apple Maps Feature. “Google GOOG 0.00%↑ has updated Google Maps with more road details, following in the footsteps of Apple, which added similar information in Apple Maps as part of the detailed city experience.”
😐 Google Kills Off the Google Maps Driving Mode. “The driving mode was originally supposed to bring essential features at one-tap distance when users were running Google Maps on their mobile devices.”
😒 Google Maps Doesn’t Know How Street Addresses Work.
🙂 MapTiler becomes a MapLibre Silver Sponsor.
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Connected and Autonomous Vehicles:
👍 Waymo Partners With Toyota. See our analysis for paid subscribers below…
🤔 Uber and May Mobility Announce Strategic Partnership to Scale Autonomous Vehicles. “Uber Technologies UBER 0.00%↑ and May Mobility announced a multi-year partnership. May Mobility aims to deploy thousands of AVs on the Uber platform over the next few years, with an initial launch planned for Arlington, Texas, by the end of 2025.
😮 Waymo Reports 250,000 Paid Robotaxi Rides Per Week in U.S. “Alphabet reported last week that Waymo, its autonomous vehicle unit, is now delivering more than 250,000 paid robotaxi rides per week in the U.S. The 250,000 paid rides per week are up from 200,000 in February, before Waymo opened in Austin and expanded in the San Francisco Bay Area in March.”
🚘 Ottocast Introduces New-Gen Android Car Box NanoAI. “Ottocast has launched its Android car box NanoAI, integrating AI emotive display, voice assistant, CloudSIM and the Android 13 system.
🚛 TIER IV Accelerates the Deployment of Autonomous Trucks. “In the project overseen by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), TIER IV developed an autonomous driving system for highway logistics, based on commercial trucks manufactured by Isuzu Motors and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus.”
👌 Plus Autonomous Truck Aces Driverless Safety Maneuver Testing. “Plus’ SuperDrive, recently completed validation tests of fully autonomous operations and handling of advanced safety maneuvers with no person in the truck. The testing occurred on a closed test track.”
Fleet Telematics:
👍 Geotab Deepens OEM Partnerships With Over 80% of Leading OEMs.
🚍 Azuga Unveils Next-Gen AI-Powered SafetyCam. “Azuga has announced the launch of its new line of Next-Gen SafetyCams: the SafetyCam Plus and SafetyCam Pro.”
😮 Shots Fired:
🚚 Grosvenor Leasing Partners with Targa Telematics to Enhance Fleet SMR. “Grosvenor Leasing has partnered with Targa Telematics to introduce a service, maintenance and repairs (SMR) system designed to reduce vehicle downtime and fleet costs.”
🥇 TCA certifies Geotab as an Application Service Provider for TMA and RIM. “Transport Certification Australia (TCA) has announced that it has certified Geotab as an Application Service Provider for the Telematics Monitoring Application and Road Infrastructure Management applications under the National Telematics Framework.”
📌 Teletrac Navman Unveils Enhanced Privacy Mode for Smart Dash Cams. “A survey by Teletrac Navman revealed that while 85 percent of fleets see AI as the future of safety, 23 percent expressed concerns about data privacy related to cameras and AI.”
Financial:
✔ Qualcomm's Quarterly Automotive and IoT Revenues Ramp Up.
✔ AGCO (NYSE:AGCO) Posts Better-Than-Expected Sales In Q1, Stock Jumps 11.1%.
✔ Trimble Announces Filing of Form 10-K for 2024. “There were no changes to the [Trimble’s] TRMB 0.00%↑ financial statements as presented during the earnings call held by the company on February 19, 2025.” The company will hold a conference call on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 8 a.m., to discuss its first quarter earnings.
😐 Trimble Parts Ways with Ernst & Young, Appoints KPMG as New Auditor.
✔ NXP Semiconductors Reports First Quarter 2025 Results.
✔ KORE Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results.
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Weekly Product News
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Parkopedia and Parkmobile to Launch US eMSP Service, Cuts Deals With ThunderSoft, Neusoft at 2025 Shanghai Auto Show
Parkopedia, recently acquired by EasyPark Group, has announced that sister brand ParkMobile will launch as an eMobility Service Provider (eMSP) in North America. The EV charging service will be powered by Parkopedia, complementing ParkMobile’s existing parking platform for its 65-million user base, the company said.
In China, Parkopedia and ThunderSoft announced, at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, that they will combine their connected car services, in-car payment and intelligent operating system expertise. Specifically, the deal integrates Parkopedia’s parking and charging into ThunderSoft's Aqua OS vehicle operating system.
In other company news, Parkopedia has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Neusoft to integrate its latest OneCoreGo Global In-Vehicle Intelligent Mobility Solution 6.0 with Parkopedia's mobility services for international markets.
Contact: Adam Calland, Parkopedia, 44 (0)7838 219129, adam.calland@parkopedia.com.
NAL Research and VectorNav Integrating Tech into Iridium INS Solution
NAL Research and VectorNav Technologies have announced a joint development to produce Iridium IRDM 0.00%↑ STL-aided Inertial Navigation Systems to meet the demand for resilient PNT in GNSS-denied environments. The companies, exhibiting at SOF Week Exposition May 5–8, say NAL's APNT receivers are integrated with Iridium STL service, which leverages a Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) transmitted signal approximately 1,000 times stronger than traditional GNSS.
VectorNav is leveraging its VN-210E GNSS-Aided INS, which combines a tactical-grade IMU with an L1/L2 GNSS receiver in a miniature, board-mount package. It integrates with NAL Research's ALTM Gen2 Mini Iridium STL receiver.
Contact: Kaelyn Banks, NAL Research, kbanks@nalresearch.com; Zane Woodson, VectorNav Technologies, woodson@vectornav.com.
PTx Trimble Launches NAV-960 GNSS receiver for Precision Autoguidance
PTx Trimble has released its NAV-960, an update to the company’s previous solution. The new update increases the unit’s speed, processing power and accurate positioning for farming operations, the company said.
The NAV-960 comes standard with company displays and steering systems. In addition, according to PTx Trimble, unit has upgraded GNSS sensors for centimeter-accuracy upgrades.
Contact: PTx Trimble, www.ptxtrimble.com.
One Step GPS Wins Stevie Award
San Fernando, Calif.-based One Step GPS recently won a Gold Stevie Award in the category of Customer Service Department of the year. The Stevie Awards are determined by the average scores of more than 250 professionals worldwide in the three-month judging process. The awards program receives more than 12,000 nominations per year.
Contact: Adam Ben Jacob, One Step GPS, adam@onestepgps.com, (818) 659-2032, www.onestepgps.com.
Globalstar Launches Two-Way Satellite IoT Solution
Globalstar GSAT 0.00%↑ announced the launch of a new two-way satellite Internet of Things (IoT) solution using its low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellation. The new platform offers low-power communication with assured delivery and low-latency messaging for applications like fleet and asset tracking. Globalstar's RM200M module integrates GNSS, Bluetooth, an accelerometer, and an application processor.
Contact: Alisa Moloney, alisa.moloney@globalstar.com, www.globalstar.com.
UP42 and Maxar Partner to Broaden Access to Geospatial Intelligence
UP42 has partnered with Maxar to make Maxar’s satellite imagery and tasking products available on its platform. Maxar’s constellation has the capability to revisit Earth locations up to 15 times per day, the company said. UP42 customers will be able to order 30 centimeter-class and 50 centimeter-class imagery from Maxar’s archive, the company said.
Contact: Dobrina Laleva, UP42, dobrina.laleva@up42.com, https://up42.com/marketplace/data/tasking/maxar-tasking.
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Ondas Receives $3.4 Million Order for Anti-Drone System
Ondas Holdings announced it secured a $3.4 million order for its Iron Drone Raider counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS). The order comes from a well-known European defense contractor and is intended for a government client, the company said.
Iron Drone Raider is designed to detect, track, and mitigate drone threats. The system will be deployed to address the increasing need for counter-drone capabilities.
Contact: Preston Grimes, Ondas Holdings, preston.grimes@ondas.com.
A2MAC1, Gasgoo Partner for Automotive Data Services
A2MAC1 and Gasgoo announced a global partnership to explore new automotive intelligence services, enhancing both companies' growth strategies, the company said. The collaboration aims to leverage their expertise to better respond to market expectations, including cost, CO2 calculations, and supply chain knowledge, and to create joint value for customers. The new business offering is planned to launch in July 2025.
Contact: A2MAC1, communication@a2mac1.com, www.a2mac1.com.
EliseAI Integrates Engrain Data for Enhanced AI Apartment Tours
EliseAI has partnered with Engrain to integrate Engrain's SightMap and TouchTour data into its AI Guided Tours product. The integration will incorporate Engrain's SightMap and TouchTour data, providing prospective renters with more detailed and interactive property information during virtual tours, the company said.
Leveraging GPS tracking, users can view their real-time location directly overlaid onto dynamic property maps, ensuring seamless navigation and eliminating the risk of getting lost, the company said. The maps reflect unit availability and allow renters to explore multiple floors, view photos, and access detailed apartment information as they tour, the company said.
Contact: Arianna Paranzino, EliseAI, (408) 892-9207, press@eliseai.com.
AgEagle Launches Drone Software Enabling Navigation Without GPS
AgEagle Aerial Systems has announced the release of its next-generation eBee VISION application software, featuring a key update allowing for autonomous position updates using map referencing in areas where GPS signals are unreliable or unavailable. This advancement enables continuous drone navigation for military, public safety, and industrial users in GNSS-denied environments, according to the company. The software also includes features like optical flow stabilization, improved ground detection, and optimized cruise speed in windy conditions, the company said.
Contact: AEagle Aerial Sytems, uavs@ageagle.com, www.ageagle.com.
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Waymo and Toyota Partner to Develop Self-Driving Tech for Personal Cars
Alphabet-owned Waymo and Toyota have announced a partnership aimed at integrating Waymo's autonomous driving technology into Toyota's personal vehicles. The collaboration marks a significant step for Waymo beyond its current focus on robotaxi services and delivery vehicles, signaling a potential expansion into the broader consumer automotive market.
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