Trimble equipment will be used to establish 12 Differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS) stations and 3 control stations around the UK & Republic of Ireland. This will provide the first continuous and publicly available DGPS service in these territories, significantly enhancing safety and navigational accuracy at sea and around the coast.

The establishment of a UK and Republic of Ireland DGPS service brings the territories in line with other European countries. DGPS reference radiobeacon stations have already been installed in the United States, Canada, Scandinavia as well as much of central Europe, and as such is proven to provide a reliable and accurate service to marine users. The GLA/Trimble contract fulfills an initial plank of the GLA's marine navigation plan, which sets out a strategy for navigation into the 21st century with significant cost savings of 30 million pound sterling (approximately US $48 million) over a 20-year period, and is fully supported by the British Government (under statutory instrument 3013, 1997). The new DGPS service enables the GLAs to achieve cost saving by discontinuing the Decca navigation system, which is outdated and expensive to maintain.

Rear-Admiral Patrick Rowe, Executive Chairman at Trinity House, said: ``This installation is a major step forward in the provision of navigational systems for the UK and Republic of Ireland. Trimble has a long established pedigree in this area, and we are confident that the GLA will be able to work with the company to quickly establish an effective public DGPS service for mariners.'' The Rear-Admiral continued: ``As marine traffic increases, this will provide significant benefits in terms of improved safety and accuracy for all concerned.''

``We are very pleased to be chosen by the GLA to provide the DGPS system which will enhance the safety of life,'' said Charles Trimble, President of Trimble. ``Around the world, these systems are already proving their worth in many countries. Most importantly, the implementation of the GLA system continues to underscore the value of GPS as an information technology providing a foundation for developing and maintaining transportation infrastructures worldwide.''

Trimble DGPS solutions are already installed in many existing European systems, including Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany and Russia. The GLA installation will comprise a combination of the 4000MSK DGPS(TM) Reference Station, the 4000IM MSK(TM) Integrity Monitor and Trimble Beacon Control Software. Each of the three organizations comprising the GLAs will run their portion of the service, with a control and monitoring station ensuring the accuracy of signals at all times, with an in-built alarm function alerting users to any faulty broadcasts.

The General Lighthouse Authorities combines the Corporation of Trinity House for England, Wales and the Channel Islands, The Northern Lighthouse Board for Scotland and the Isle of Man, and the Commissioners of Irish Lights for the whole of Ireland.