FCC Chair Warns of Over-Reliance on GPS and Pushes for Backup Systems

In a significant move to address vulnerabilities in the nation’s technological infrastructure, Brendan Carr, Chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), has announced plans to explore alternatives to the Global Positioning System (GPS). The announcement, made in a blog post on the FCC’s official website on March 5, 2025, highlights the risks of relying too heavily on GPS for critical functions like positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT).

Carr emphasized that while GPS has been indispensable for decades, it is not infallible. Disruptions to GPS, whether caused by natural events, cyberattacks, or other threats, could have severe consequences for economic stability and national security. To address these vulnerabilities, the FCC plans to vote on an inquiry during its open meeting on March 27, 2025, to explore potential alternatives or complementary technologies to GPS.

The initiative aims to develop redundant systems that can serve as backups in case of GPS failures. This reflects a broader push for technological resilience, ensuring that critical infrastructure remains operational even during unforeseen disruptions.

In addition to the GPS inquiry, the FCC will also vote on two proposals aimed at modernizing the nation’s 911 emergency response systems. The first proposal focuses on Next Generation 911 (NG911), an internet-connected system designed to replace outdated legacy systems. The FCC seeks to update rules to ensure NG911 is resilient, reliable, interoperable, and accessible. The second proposal aims to strengthen location accuracy rules, helping first responders pinpoint callers’ locations more precisely, including identifying specific floors in multi-story buildings.

These proposals come at a time when the reliability of emergency services is more critical than ever. As Carr noted, “Our reliance on GPS and outdated 911 systems poses significant risks. By investing in redundancy and modernization, we can better protect our communities and ensure that help is always within reach.”

The FCC’s efforts highlight the importance of preparing for the unexpected. GPS disruptions, though rare, could cripple industries ranging from transportation to finance, while outdated emergency systems could delay life-saving responses. By exploring alternatives to GPS and upgrading 911 infrastructure, the FCC is taking proactive steps to safeguard the nation’s technological backbone.

This initiative also underscores the human impact of these technological advancements. For everyday Americans, it means greater peace of mind knowing that emergency services are more accurate and reliable, and that critical systems have backup plans in place.

As the FCC moves forward with these proposals, the focus remains on building a more resilient and secure future. Carr’s leadership in addressing these challenges demonstrates the importance of innovation and preparedness in an increasingly interconnected world.

The original article, written by Umar Shakir, a technology and electric vehicles reporter at *The Verge*, sheds light on the FCC’s efforts to balance technological progress with the need for reliability and security. With the March 27 vote approaching, the nation watches as the FCC takes bold steps to protect its critical infrastructure and ensure the safety of its citizens.