While the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is evaluating alternative technologies to the global positioning system GPS, a remarkable step came from SpaceX. The company, led by Elon Musk, announced that it will be able to provide Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) service via the Starlink satellite network.

Will Starlink be an alternative to GPS technology?

In the five-page official letter sent to the FCC, SpaceX stated that Starlink is not limited to providing only internet connection; it also has the technical capacity to support the PNT infrastructure.

The company emphasized that the rapid deployment of the new generation Starlink satellites positioned in low Earth orbit (LEO) will significantly reduce dependency on GPS. The latest information shows that Starlink satellites already have the ability to operate independently of GPS systems.

This feature can provide uninterrupted and reliable PNT service for users even in possible GPS outages. SpaceX argues that this system, which operates over different frequencies, will be a more durable and stable alternative compared to the current GPS infrastructure.

The company also announced that it is actively working on integrating PNT features within the cellular Starlink beta program conducted with T-Mobile. It is stated that the system could be widespread not only in the US but also in more than 130 countries.

SpaceX is not the only company with the potential to offer PNT service. Globalstar, which provides communication via satellite, also emphasized in a letter sent to the FCC that their system could be used as an alternative to GPS.

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