Posted: Fri, Apr 24, 2020, 10:25 AM ET (1425 GMT)
The FCC approved Ligado's 5G network Monday despite concerns about potential interference with GPS. The FCC gave its approval for a nationwide network by Ligado that will use L-band spectrum for 5G and internet-of-things applications. The Defense Department had previously warned that Ligado's network risked "crippling" GPS, with Defense Secretary Mark Esper reiterating that opposition. While Esper said nearly a dozen other agencies shared his concerns, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo cheered the FCC decision, calling it "essential to our country's growth and global economic security." The FCC has argued that lower signal power levels and the introduction of a guard band would prevent Ligado's network from interfering with GPS.

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