NextNav Successfully Demonstrates Positioning Reference Signal-Based PNT Technology
Rhea-AI Summary
NextNav (Nasdaq: NN) has successfully completed lab and field demonstrations of its Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) solution using Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) standards in 5G waveforms. The tests, conducted in Palo Alto, California using NextNav's existing spectrum, validated precise timing synchronization and positioning capabilities.
The achievement marks a significant step toward developing a terrestrial complement and backup to GPS signals through 5G networks. NextNav has petitioned the FCC to reconfigure the Lower 900 MHz band to enable a 5G-based terrestrial 3D PNT solution while supporting 5G broadband deployment.
The company will showcase this technology and host industry discussions at Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2025.
Positive
- Successful demonstration of new PNT technology as GPS backup solution
- Leverages existing 5G infrastructure for cost-effective scaling
- Potential expansion into Lower 900 MHz band pending FCC approval
Negative
- FCC approval still required for Lower 900 MHz band reconfiguration
- Commercial deployment timeline not specified
Insights
NextNav's successful demonstration of its 5G-based Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) PNT technology represents a strategic advancement in the company's commercialization roadmap. This milestone validates NextNav's approach to creating a terrestrial GPS complement using existing 5G standards, potentially opening access to the massive 5G ecosystem rather than requiring proprietary infrastructure.
The business implications are substantial. The GPS backup/complement market represents a multi-billion dollar opportunity across critical infrastructure, telecommunications, transportation, and defense sectors. GPS vulnerabilities from jamming, spoofing, and signal degradation in urban environments have become increasingly concerning to government agencies and private enterprises that rely on precise positioning and timing.
NextNav's approach leverages several strategic advantages:
- Utilization of existing spectrum holdings in the 900 MHz band
- Compatibility with established 5G standards reducing adoption barriers
- Potential for integration into existing and future 5G infrastructure
The regulatory component is pivotal - NextNav's FCC petition to reconfigure the Lower 900 MHz band would, if approved, significantly accelerate deployment possibilities. However, this regulatory process introduces uncertainty regarding timeline and final implementation parameters.
For investors, this demonstration represents technological validation but commercial scaling remains the critical next phase. NextNav will need to secure partnerships with 5G infrastructure providers and device manufacturers to achieve widespread deployment. With
The upcoming Mobile World Congress presents an important opportunity for NextNav to advance partnership discussions with potential industry adopters who could accelerate the path to revenue generation.
Critical milestone to bringing a terrestrial 3D PNT solution to a 5G Mass Market Ecosystem
RESTON, Va., Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NextNav (Nasdaq: NN) today announced the successful completion of lab and field demonstrations of its innovative Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) solution based on Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) standards in 5G waveforms. With 5G and PRS standards already in place, this validates that NextNav PNT technology solutions can enable a widescale commercial 5G-based PNT solution that provides a resilient terrestrial complement and backup to traditional GPS signals.
The demonstrations culminated in a successful field test using a prototype network operating on NextNav’s existing spectrum in Palo Alto, California. These tests validated the effectiveness of NextNav's 5G PRS-based PNT solution, demonstrating precise timing synchronization and robust positioning capabilities, establishing a foundation for widespread commercial deployment.
“This is a major milestone towards building a terrestrial complement and backup to GPS built on the back of a global standard,” said NextNav Co-Founder and CTO, Arun Raghupathy. “By leveraging a 5G network, NextNav is proving that it is able to develop scalable 3D PNT capabilities built with technology using standards compliant PRS signals.”
NextNav’s innovative next generation technology provides a rapid and cost-effective approach to scaling resilient PNT solutions and is part of the company’s mission to build a widescale terrestrial PNT solution working with 5G infrastructure and device providers. By demonstrating that PRS can fulfill this requirement, NextNav moves closer to the vision outlined in its rulemaking petition before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In its petition, NextNav proposed that the FCC reconfigure the Lower 900 MHz band to enable a 5G-based terrestrial 3D PNT as both a complement and backup to GPS while also supporting 5G broadband deployment and use.
Few challenges are more pressing than integrating greater resiliency into critical terrestrial PNT technologies while simultaneously freeing up more spectrum for 5G broadband.
Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2025
NextNav will host discussions in its dedicated meeting room at MWC 2025, bringing together industry leaders to advance a 5G-based terrestrial 3D PNT capability built on a global standard. To join these conversations, meet our team, and learn more, request a meeting here.
About NextNav
NextNav Inc. (Nasdaq: NN) is a leader in next-generation positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), enabling a whole new ecosystem of applications and services that rely upon 3D geolocation and PNT technology. Powered by low-band licensed spectrum, NextNav’s positioning and timing technologies deliver accurate, reliable, and resilient 3D PNT solutions for critical infrastructure, GPS resiliency and commercial use cases.
For more information, please visit https://nextnav.com/ or follow NextNav on X https://x.com/NextNav or LinkedIn.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on NextNav’s management’s current expectations and beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions concerning future events.
Source: NN-FIN
Media Contact:
NNmedia@nextnav.com
FAQ
What technology milestone did NextNav (NN) achieve in February 2025?
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