The UTC Technical Division held an Open Call for all members focused on LightSquared and GPS Interference on Tuesday, July 26, 2011. The call  featured Jeff Carlisle, Executive Vice President at LightSquared, and Jim Kirkland, Vice President, General Counsel at Trimble Navigation representing the Coalition to Save Our GPS. 

Both speakers addressed the history of the issue, mentioning past Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rulings and steps taken by government agencies to sort out the problem. Both presenters spent time speaking about spectrum frequency, specifically radiofrequency band, LightSquared’s effects on timing devices and high powered base stations. Attendees asked questions ranging from such topics as timing receivers to public safety to LightSquared’s proposed next steps.   While both sides continue to debate, the call was a technical look inside the issues from both perspectives. 

The Technical Division is very excited about upcoming Open Calls and encourages UTC members to look for future Open Calls in the UTC Alert and the UTC Industry Intelligence. To suggest a future Open Call topic or to enquire about presenting, please contact Samantha LeSesne.