Codeless/Semi-Codeless GPS Access Commitments

These documents describe U.S. government commitments to support codeless/semi-codeless civilian access to the current P(Y) signals and the transition to the modernized L2C and L5 signals. This transition will not affect users of consumer GPS devices that use only the basic civil signal (L1 C/A).

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New 2014 Federal Radionavigation Plan

Section 3.2.8 of the 2014 Federal Radionavigation Plan (published May 2015) states the following:

The USG commits to maintaining the existing GPS L1 C/A, L1 P(Y), L2C, and L2 P(Y) signal characteristics that enable codeless and semi-codeless GPS access until at least two years after there are 24 operational satellites broadcasting L5. Barring a national security requirement, the USG does not intend to change these signal characteristics before then. Twenty-four satellites broadcasting the L5 signal is estimated to occur in 2024. This will allow for the orderly and systematic transition of users of semi-codeless and codeless receiving equipment to the use of equipment using modernized civil-coded signals. Note that it is expected that 24 operational satellites broadcasting L2C will be available by 2018, enabling transition to that signal at this earlier date. Civilian users of GPS are encouraged to start their planning for transition now.

The above text supersedes the previously announced commitment in Federal Register Notice Vol. 73 No. 185 (see below) to maintain such signal characteristics through December 31, 2020.

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Federal Register Notice: Preservation of Continuity for Semi-Codeless GPS Applications

This public notice from Sep 2008 was superseded by the 2014 Federal Radionavigation Plan. The 2008 notice committed the U.S. government to supporting codeless/semi-codeless access to the GPS P(Y) signals until Dec 31, 2020, and advised users of codeless/semi-codeless GPS receivers to transition to new user equipment utilizing the modernized GPS signals (L2C, L5).

Prior to issuing this notice, the government collected public comments on the idea of the 2020 sunset date for codeless/semi-codeless GPS access. View comments at regulations.gov

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