As the second Presidential statement in less than a decade, the PNT policy demonstrates U.S. foresight in shaping the global environment to meet the dynamic needs of GPS users worldwide.

The new policy updates the foundation laid by the 1996 Presidential Decision Directive (PDD) on GPS. It maintains an unambiguous U.S. commitment to the essential principles of open access, free of direct user fees, for civilian users worldwide.

The PNT policy recognizes the importance of protecting the radio spectrum from interference, in which GPS and other satellite navigation services operate.

This U.S. policy addresses interaction with other countries' PNT services, including Russia's Glonass and Europe's Galileo systems. In addition, the U.S. Government commits to continued technological improvements, such as GPS Modernization.

"Today information technologies arrive at a rapid rate. Sustaining growth long-term is the real challenge. This directive demonstrates that a stable policy-making process exists and is one that can handle future challenges," said Charles R. Trimble, USGIC Chairman.

"GPS continues to be a model success story as a result of careful policy decisions such as this announcement by the President today. The real significance is that users worldwide can be confident that GPS will continue to grow and evolve to meet their needs as a global information utility."

"This is an exciting period for the GPS industry," said Mike Swiek, USGIC Executive Director. "PNT applications are becoming incorporated into the fabric of our daily lives.

"With the addition of new GPS capabilities, and the eventual emergence of new PNT systems from Europe and Japan, it is clear that manufacturers and users will have a staggering choice of positioning solutions. It is reassuring that the U.S. Government is taking clear steps to stay ahead of the curve in managing this vital resource."

Established in 1991, the United States GPS Industry Council (USGIC) is the leading organization worldwide representing the interests of the satellite navigation industry.

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