GPS Degradation to cease tonight (5/1/2000)

[Mike Nesja]

Apparently, the Department of Defense has announced that it will cease the deliberate degradation of GPS signals, effective midnight tonight (5/1/2000).


For more information see the blurb at : http://www.computerworld.com/home/print ... 000501DAEA



CapeDory25D@aol.com

[Dale Weston]

Apparently, the Department of Defense has announced that it will cease the deliberate degradation of GPS signals, effective midnight tonight (5/1/2000).


For more information see the blurb at : http://www.computerworld.com/home/print ... 000501DAEA

Here's the DOD side of story off the above link. There's apparently more than "unfuzzifying" the signal.

ADDITIONAL CIVIL CODED SIGNALS ON FUTURE GLOBAL
POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) SATELLITES

The Interagency Global Positioning System Executive Board (IGEB) announced today a decision
to place expanded civil capabilities on future Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. A new
civil signal will be added to the current military GPS L2 signal. This additional signal will provide
significant improvements in GPS positioning and navigation services to worldwide users.

Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen said, "This IGEB decision reinforces the continuing U. S.
commitment to provide the most capable, efficient and reliable satellite navigation system for use
by all the world's nations well into the 21st century."

In addition to reaching a decision on the second civil coded signal, the IGEB recognized that civil
GPS users can benefit from the implementation of a third coded signal. Consequently, the IGEB
further directed that efforts continue to define an additional frequency in the L band for a third
coded civil GPS signal. Although no decision has been made for the location of the third
frequency, the IGEB did indicate that the areas of interest are in the proximity of the current
frequency allocations used by GPS.

The IGEB will finalize the configuration for the additional civil GPS signals early this fall in
order to support GPS satellite contract timelines. To assist the IGEB in this effort, the
U.S. Air Force is working closely with civil agencies in completing GPS modernization
analyses. This effort is focused on making enhancements to the system to improve GPS
services for both civil and military users. The addition of these frequencies will greatly
enhance the accuracy, reliability, and robustness of the civilian GPS service.

The IGEB was established to implement President Clinton's GPS policy, and is jointly chaired by
Jacques Gansler, the under secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology, and Mortimer
Downey, the deputy secretary of Transportation.



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