Chamber Welcomes New Global Positioning System Policy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce Space Enterprise Council applauded the White House announcement of a new national policy on the Global Positioning System and related services.

"The administration's recognition of the need for open access and ongoing innovation will give businesses the opportunity to expand existing capabilities, as well as create new ventures and emerging market applications," said David Logsdon, executive director of the Chamber's Space Enterprise Council.

The new policy updates the roles and responsibilities of the federal agencies involved in the Global Positioning System for the first time in almost 10 years. It details aspects of acquisition, management, and the continued improvement of the system. It also addresses interaction with other countries' positioning programs, including Russia's Glonass and Europe's Galileo systems. With this announcement, the White House has reinforced its commitment to the system's stability, continuity, and improvement.

Global Positioning Systems have become an important contributor to the growth of global economic productivity from guiding earthmoving machines to synchronizing the Internet. The business community and users worldwide are assured of the continued availability of the system with no direct user fees. Modernization of the Global Positioning System will also provide new opportunities for innovation.

The policy replaces the current interagency management structure with a more robust executive committee and staff function. Strengthening the dual-use management and collaboration among federal agencies of the system will enhance our ability to meet the needs of national security, public safety, science and commerce, according to the Chamber.

"The updated policy will foster the broader use of Global Positioning Systems worldwide," said Logsdon. "We look forward to working with the government for a successful implementation of this forward looking policy."

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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