NextNav has successfully completed lab and field demonstrations of its Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) solution based on Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) standards in 5G waveforms. By validating the effectiveness of their technology, NextNav is one step closer to providing a commercial 5G-based PNT solution that serves as a terrestrial complement and backup to traditional GPS signals.
The tests, conducted in Palo Alto, California, demonstrated precise timing synchronization and robust positioning capabilities using a prototype network operating on NextNav’s existing spectrum. Co-Founder and CTO Arun Raghupathy described this achievement as a major milestone towards building a global standard for a terrestrial 3D PNT solution utilizing 5G technology.
NextNav aims to work with infrastructure and device providers to develop scalable and resilient PNT solutions, with a focus on leveraging PRS signals to fulfill this requirement. This aligns with their petition to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reconfigure the Lower 900 MHz band to support a 5G-based terrestrial 3D PNT system as a complement and backup to GPS.
Integrating more resiliency into critical PNT technologies while enabling spectrum for 5G broadband deployment is a key challenge NextNav seeks to address. By showcasing the capabilities of their 5G PRS-based PNT solution, NextNav is making strides towards realizing their vision of a comprehensive terrestrial PNT system.
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