WIA urges FCC to accelerate GPS alternative PNT rulemaking process

Formalizing these rules would provide a critical regulatory pathway for broadcasters to monetize ATSC 3.0 beyond traditional video delivery. By positioning the Broadcast Positioning System as a national security asset, the industry could secure its role in the broader communications infrastructure while mitigating risks associated with GPS signal interference. This shift connects the streaming and broadcast ecosystems to the wider telecommunications grid, potentially unlocking new revenue streams for spectrum holders. Watch for the FCC to release a formal NPRM timeline, which will signal how quickly these complementary technologies can be integrated into commercial hardware.

The push for GPS-complementary positioning technologies has gained significant traction across multiple regulatory and industry fronts in 2026. The National Association of Broadcasters has been actively promoting its Broadcast Positioning System as a terrestrial complement to satellite-based GPS, leveraging the high-power broadcast infrastructure already deployed for ATSC 3.0 television signals. In a related regulatory development, the FCC has been evaluating spectrum and infrastructure policies that could support terrestrial positioning services as part of broader national security resilience efforts, though the commission has not yet issued a formal rulemaking timeline. The WIA's request for an NPRM represents the latest in a series of industry petitions seeking to formalize the regulatory framework for layered PNT systems.

The business case for ATSC 3.0-based positioning extends beyond broadcasting into telecommunications and critical infrastructure. Nokia and Ericsson have both identified positioning and timing services as potential revenue streams tied to their network infrastructure strategies, with operators increasingly viewing their physical assets as platforms for services beyond traditional connectivity. The Broadcast Positioning System could serve as a complementary layer to cellular network positioning, particularly in indoor and urban canyon environments where GPS signals degrade. The National Association of Broadcasters has argued that the high-power, high-tower broadcast model provides superior signal penetration compared to low-power cellular alternatives, a technical advantage that could prove decisive in FCC deliberations.

Technical demonstrations of ATSC 3.0 positioning capabilities have shown promising results in controlled environments. The IEEE ComSoc Technology Blog reported in June 2026 that multiple network operators are converging on infrastructure strategies that treat existing telecommunications assets as foundational platforms for new service categories, a trend that aligns with the WIA's vision of a layered PNT ecosystem. The Broadcast Positioning System's integration with ATSC 3.0 means that stations already equipped with NextGen TV transmitters could potentially offer positioning services with minimal additional hardware investment. However, the path from technical feasibility to commercial deployment depends on the FCC establishing clear rules around signal standards, interference protection, and service obligations for participating broadcasters.