The Federal Communications Commission says it will block the planned development of a nationwide wireless network by communications company LightSquared over concerns it cannot be fixed to coexist with global positioning systems. Steve Wellman, President of the American Soybean Association and a Syracuse, Nebraska, soybean farmer, says the FCC’s decision – is certainly a great relief for more than 600-thousand soybean farmers across the country who use GPS technology.

Wellman pointed out that – farmers invest thousands of dollars in high-precision GPS equipment and applications to run more efficient, sustainable, cost-effective and productive farms. The LightSquared network would have rendered that investment all but useless. But, Wellman did note – LightSquared’s efforts do underscore the pressing need for better broadband service, especially in rural America.

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says – now that the interference issue is settled, we need to find out more than ever why the FCC did what it did.  The agency put this project on a fast track for approval with what appears to have been completely inadequate technical research. Mr. Grassley says – that’s not the way the people’s government should work.

Courtesy: NAFB News