U.S. Space-Based PNT Policy
For over two decades, the United States Government has maintained consistent, forward-leaning policies encouraging the worldwide use of GPS and other space-based PNT services. The U.S. policy stability and transparency, along with a track record of dependable service, have facilitated global innovation and competition, leading to the development of new industries and applications based on GPS technology.
The current U.S. Space-Based PNT Policy has been in effect since December 2004. It supersedes the U.S. GPS Policy issued in 1996.
Goals
The fundamental goal of the policy is to ensure the United States maintains space-based PNT services, augmentation, back-up, and service denial capabilities that:
| Assure Service | Provide uninterrupted availability of PNT services |
| Meet Demands | Meet growing national, homeland, economic security, and civil requirements, and scientific and commercial demands |
| Lead Militarily | Remain the pre-eminent military space-based PNT service |
| Stay Competitive | Continue to provide civil services that exceed or are competitive with foreign civil space-based PNT services and augmentation systems |
| Integrate Globally | Remain essential components of internationally accepted PNT services |
| Lead Technically | Promote U.S. technological leadership in applications involving space-based PNT services |
Key Provisions
- No direct user fees for civil space-based PNT services
- Open, free access to information necessary to develop and build equipment
- Performance improvements for U.S. space-based PNT services
- Promotion of GPS standards
- International compatibility and interoperability for end user benefit
- Protection of radionavigation spectrum from disruption and interference
- Recognition of national and international security issues and protection against hostile use
- Establishment of high-level national management structure
Congressional Legislation
The U.S. Space-Based PNT Policy is an Executive Branch directive. Congress has codified various elements of it into law. These include the direction that the Secretary of Defense shall provide the civil GPS service on a continuous worldwide basis, free of direct user fees. For additional information, visit the Congressional Legislation section.
Policy Announcements
The U.S. Government has issued a number of significant space-based PNT policy announcements since the issuance of the U.S. Space-Based PNT Policy. For a list of such announcements, visit the Major Documents section.