Department of Transportation Awards Contract to NAB to Further Evaluate the Broadcast Positioning Sy...

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Department of Transportation Awards Contract to NAB to Further Evaluate the Broadcast Positioning System™ (BPS)

Supports GPS Resilience, Underscores Broadcasters� Role in Strengthening National Security and Critical Infrastructure

WASHINGTON, D.C. � The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) a $744,000 contract to advance field testing of the Broadcast Positioning System (BPS) in partnership with Dominion Energy. BPS is a new technology that complements GPS to protect our nation�s critical infrastructure.

This first-of-its-kind field test is part of the federal government�s broader effort to develop resilient alternatives to GPS for position, navigation and timing services. By exploring multiple backup systems, the government aims to ensure the nation can continue to operate safely and securely if GPS is compromised.

BPS uses NextGen TV (ATSC 3.0) broadcast signals to deliver highly accurate timing information to keep our country�s energy, financial and transportation systems running even if GPS is compromised. This extra layer of security can help protect public safety and the nation�s critical infrastructure. Experts at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have said BPS performance is �comparable to or better than� GPS.

�NAB is honored to receive this contract to advance BPS, affirming the vital role of broadcast technology in protecting our nation�s infrastructure,� said NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. �To fully realize the potential of this technology, we must achieve a nationwide transition to ATSC 3.0. We look forward to working with policymakers on a smooth transition, and to strengthening public safety and national resilience."

As part of the contract, NAB and Dominion Energy will serve as core partners in a real-world field trial to deploy and evaluate BPS. Dominion brings essential expertise as a critical infrastructure provider, helping to assess how BPS can bolster the resilience of the electric grid and other key systems.

�With this field trial, we are further demonstrating how free, over-the-air broadcasting continues to serve the public in new and indispensable ways,� said LeGeyt. �We are grateful to the DOT and the Volpe Center for recognizing the potential of our BPS technology to support national security, public safety and transportation innovation.�

Why It Matters

GPS is the backbone of navigation and timing for everything from airplanes to hospitals, but it is vulnerable to jamming and spoofing. BPS is designed to complement and backstop GPS by using high-power, frequency-diverse broadcast signals to deliver precise and traceable time. Unlike satellite or internet-based systems, it operates independently and can serve an unlimited number of users at once.

This makes BPS a scalable and infrastructure-resilient solution that can support critical timing needs across public safety, national security and essential services like the electric grid. With ATSC 3.0 signals already reaching more than 75% of U.S. households, broadcasters are well-positioned to provide a GPS-independent safety net that ensures Americans stay connected during emergencies and keeps vital systems running securely.

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About NAB

The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at nab.org.

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