The new positioning system developed in the USA as an alternative to GPS works with television signals. The technology called Broadcast Positioning System (BPS) provides location and time data from terrestrial TV transmitters instead of satellites.

A new alternative for GPS has been developed

The system developed by the National Association of Broadcasters was developed as a solution to GPS’s signal weakness, risk of blocking or vulnerability to cyber attacks.

BPS uses TV signals for positioning. However, in order for the system to work, TV transmitters must broadcast signals in the ATSC 3.0, or “Next Generation TV” standard. This standard adds an ATSC frame to each TV signal.

Thanks to this frame, BPS can provide up to 100 nanoseconds of accuracy in terms of timing. Although it offers lower accuracy compared to GPS’s approximately 10 nanoseconds, BPS still provides high success.

In order for the positioning feature to work, the device must be able to receive signals from at least four different TV transmitters. Even in this case, the location accuracy remains at a radius of approximately 100 meters.

The system can still be considered to be in the development phase. The fourth step of the six-stage process is approaching. According to the plans, the project will be open to general use in 2027 at the latest. It is planned to put the fully integrated positioning feature into operation by 2029.

However, the applicability of the system worldwide remains uncertain. So what do you think about this technology? You can easily share your views with us in the comments section below.