The Global Positioning System uses radio signals in frequencies (spectrum) reserved for radio navigation services. Ensuring the continuity of the GPS service requires protection of this spectrum from interference. GPS interference can come from a variety of sources, including radio emissions in nearby bands, intentional or unintentional jamming, and naturally occurring space weather.
The U.S. government works to minimize human sources of GPS interference through spectrum regulations (domestic and international), interference detection and mitigation efforts, and law enforcement.
Civilian GPS users experiencing problems from suspected radio interference should report them to the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center and/or the FCC.
GPS Jamming
The FCC is clamping down on the marketing, sale, and use of illegal cellphone and GPS jamming devices. Consumers cannot legally use signal jammers within the United States.
Adjacent Band Compatibility
The executive branch has established power limit criteria for transmitters in the bands near GPS, to ensure any future use of those bands will not disrupt GPS applications. Learn more
- Ligado and GPS
The executive branch is concerned about potential interference to GPS users from Ligado Networks. - LightSquared and GPS (upto 2016)
LightSquared was the predecessor to Ligado.
Use of Foreign RNSS Signals
FCC rules require authorization of receive-only earth stations operating with non-U.S. licensed radionavigation-satellite service (RNSS) satellites.
Tracking PNT Interference
The U.S. Space Force Joint Commercial Operations (JCO) supports commercial space integration with allies and partners by improving space situational awareness. The JCO’s “Protect and Defend” mission includes monitoring and characterizing the electromagnetic operational environment for threats. The JCO conducts this through Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (EMSO) which includes PNT Situational Awareness (PNT-SA). The PNT-SA mission uses a variety of tools to provide daily unclassified “heat maps” depicting intentional PNT interference across the world. For more information:
USSF JCO Front Door (.mil)
Contact the USSF (.mil)