If adopted, the NextNav plan would:
- Take over 60% of the Lower 900 MHz band and dedicate it for a high-power 5G system licensed on a nationwide basis to NextNav.
- Remove long-standing interference protections that keep current devices reliable.
- Force millions of existing systems, in homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals, into a fraction of the current spectrum, and even threaten these systems’ use of this fraction of the band.
The consequences would be devastating:
- Life safety failures: A panic button or medical alert signal may never reach first responders.
- Massive costs: Billions of devices could be rendered obsolete, forcing businesses and consumers to replace entire systems. Because so many of these devices are customer-controlled, replacing existing devices may not even be feasible.
- Public safety risks: From schools to senior living centers, essential communication systems could go silent when people need them most.
The FCC should not advance the NextNav proposal. To the extent the FCC is seeking to identify location services that can provide an alternative to or backup for GPS, there are a multitude of other technologies that can provide location accuracy without wreaking havoc on billions of existing devices. Alternative technologies — like eLoran, beacon systems, and broadcast positioning — can strengthen resilience without endangering existing life safety systems.
Take Action Today
Congress needs to hear directly from the businesses and professionals who rely on this spectrum every day. Use the form below to contact your Senators and Representatives. Tell them to stand with public safety and oppose NextNav’s 900 MHz proposal.