FCC Takes Important Step Towards New Band Plan and Creation of Complement and Backup to GPS

Core Viewpoint - NextNav is seeking to reconfigure the Lower 900 MHz band to enable a terrestrial 3D positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) network that complements GPS and frees up 15 MHz of spectrum for 5G broadband [2][4]. Group 1: FCC Involvement - The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has released a public notice requesting comments on NextNav's spectrum solution in the Lower 900 MHz band, with comments due by September 5, 2024, and reply comments by September 20, 2024 [3]. - NextNav filed a rulemaking petition on April 16, 2024, to open proceedings for the reconfiguration of the Lower 900 MHz band [2]. Group 2: Company Strategy and Benefits - NextNav's CEO emphasized the importance of providing a backup to GPS for critical services such as location mapping, emergency caller location, and national security needs [3]. - The reconfiguration of the band is expected to create additional spectrum for wireless technology, benefiting consumers and national interests without incurring costs to taxpayers [3]. Group 3: Current Position and Expertise - NextNav is the primary geographic licensee in the Lower 900 MHz band and has developed industry-leading PNT expertise and products using its existing licenses [4]. - The current underutilization of the band is attributed to legacy band plans and rules, which the proposed reconfiguration aims to address [4]. Group 4: Company Overview - NextNav Inc. is a leader in next-generation positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), providing accurate and reliable 3D PNT solutions for various applications [5].