Company Description
NextNav Inc. (Nasdaq: NN) operates in the field of next-generation 3D Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) solutions. According to the company’s public disclosures, NextNav focuses on providing a terrestrial complement and backup to satellite-based Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) such as GPS. It emphasizes accurate, reliable, and resilient 3D PNT capabilities that are intended to support national security, public safety, and broader economic activity.
NextNav states that it is the nation’s largest license holder in a spectrum band expressly designated for terrestrial positioning services. The company’s spectrum holdings are concentrated in the Lower 900 MHz band, where it has acquired Multilateration Location and Monitoring Service (M-LMS) licenses and related spectrum rights. Through these licensed low-band spectrum assets and the global 5G ecosystem, NextNav is working to enable widescale terrestrial PNT services that can operate when satellite signals are unavailable, degraded, or vulnerable.
Core technology and 3D PNT focus
NextNav describes itself as a leader in next-generation 3D PNT and 3D geolocation solutions. Its approach involves terrestrial signals that can deliver timing and location information, including vertical (altitude) data, to support applications that require three-dimensional positioning. The company has highlighted its work with 5G-based PNT, including Positioning Reference Signal (PRS)-enabled networks, as a path to commercializing a terrestrial backup to GPS.
In its public communications, NextNav has reported successful demonstrations of 5G PRS-based PNT using standard 5G network equipment. These demonstrations showed that the company’s architecture can deliver accurate timing and positioning while simultaneously supporting broadband data transmissions. This approach is presented as a way to integrate PNT capabilities into existing and future 5G infrastructure, using licensed spectrum in the Lower 900 MHz band.
Pinnacle network and public safety orientation
NextNav’s SEC filings describe a Pinnacle network that is primarily operated in partnership with AT&T as part of the FirstNet initiative. The company reports that its Pinnacle system is primarily used for public safety applications, including enhanced E911 services for devices operating on national cellular networks. According to the filings, Pinnacle altitude stations are co-located at AT&T wireless sites and make use of power systems at those sites, while connectivity among the stations, a cloud service platform, and a network operations center is enabled through wireless connections currently provided by AT&T.
An amendment to the Equipment, Network Colocation and Installation Agreement with AT&T extended the term of that agreement to October 28, 2028, without changing operational or financial terms. This underscores the company’s continued focus on maintaining and operating its Pinnacle network infrastructure in collaboration with a major telecommunications partner.
Spectrum strategy and Lower 900 MHz band
NextNav’s strategy, as reflected in its news releases and SEC filings, places significant emphasis on spectrum in the Lower 900 MHz band. The company has entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement to acquire additional M-LMS licenses and related rights from Telesaurus Holdings GB LLC and Skybridge Spectrum Foundation. The transaction closed in September 2025, following Federal Communications Commission (FCC) consent to the assignment of 128 active M-LMS A-block licenses to NextNav.
The company has disclosed that the acquired licenses are in the same Lower 900 MHz band as its existing licenses, further enhancing its spectrum position in a band designated for terrestrial positioning services. The purchase consideration includes cash and shares of common stock, along with potential additional share-based consideration contingent on FCC actions related to flexibility in the use of M-LMS spectrum.
5G-based PNT and commercialization milestones
NextNav has reported multiple milestones on the path toward commercial deployment of its 5G-based PNT solutions. The company has described a 5G PNT network in Santa Clara County, California, as a real-world demonstration of a 5G-powered backup to GPS. This network uses multiple fixed base stations, a standalone 5G core, and the company’s 3D PNT architecture, with a standards-compliant 5G signal and PRS enabled.
Through these deployments and demonstrations, NextNav aims to validate that its 5G-based network can deliver accurate 3D location, improved timing synchronization, and enhanced resilience. The company’s communications emphasize that these capabilities are intended to support critical infrastructure, public safety, and other applications that depend on precise and resilient PNT services.
Partnerships and ecosystem development
NextNav has announced several partnerships that illustrate how its technology is being integrated into broader ecosystems. In Japan, the company entered into an expanded strategic and technology partnership with MetCom, Inc. MetCom has licensed NextNav’s 5G-based 3D PNT technology, including 5G waveform and receiver technologies, with plans to power terrestrial timing services in major Japanese metropolitan areas. This collaboration is described as the first international partnership built on NextNav’s 5G-based 3D PNT solution and is positioned as a way to complement Japan’s existing PNT capabilities with terrestrial resilience.
NextNav has also reported a successful integration of its 5G-based PNT technology with an Oscilloquartz GNSS-enabled grandmaster clock. According to the companies, a NextNav 5G PRS-based timing receiver combined with the Oscilloquartz system produced GPS-quality timing output in the absence of GPS, in both indoor and outdoor environments. The fusion of GPS and 5G PRS is presented as a way to provide resilient timing outputs, such as pulse-per-second and time-of-day synchronization, for critical infrastructure and mission-critical applications.
Corporate and financial reporting
NextNav files periodic financial statements and current reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These filings include condensed consolidated balance sheets, statements of comprehensive loss, and statements of cash flows. The company reports on revenue, operating expenses such as cost of goods sold, research and development, selling, general and administrative expenses, and depreciation and amortization, as well as other income and expense items. Its filings also describe financing activities, including senior convertible notes and other debt arrangements.
In addition to financial data, NextNav’s SEC filings provide information on material agreements, acquisitions of assets such as spectrum licenses, and executive appointments. For example, the company has disclosed the appointment of an Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, along with the key terms of the related employment agreement, equity awards, and severance provisions. These disclosures are part of the company’s regulatory obligations as a Nasdaq-listed issuer.
Business context within PNT and manufacturing sector
Based on the industry classification provided, NextNav operates in the broader area of search, detection, navigation, guidance, aeronautical, and nautical system and instrument manufacturing. Within this context, the company’s focus is on terrestrial PNT and 3D geolocation technologies that complement satellite-based systems. Its activities span spectrum acquisition, network deployment, technology development, and partnerships with telecommunications and infrastructure providers.
NextNav’s public statements emphasize that resilient PNT is important for national security, public safety, and the economy. By concentrating on licensed low-band spectrum and integration with the global 5G ecosystem, the company aims to address the need for terrestrial PNT capabilities that can function in environments where satellite signals are unreliable or unavailable.
FAQs about NextNav Inc. (NN)
- What does NextNav Inc. do?
NextNav Inc. focuses on next-generation 3D Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) solutions. The company develops terrestrial PNT technologies and networks intended to complement and back up satellite-based systems like GPS, with an emphasis on resilience and three-dimensional geolocation. - How does NextNav describe its spectrum position?
NextNav states that it is the nation’s largest license holder in a spectrum band expressly designated for terrestrial positioning services. Its licenses are concentrated in the Lower 900 MHz band, including Multilateration Location and Monitoring Service (M-LMS) licenses acquired through FCC-approved transactions. - What is the significance of the Lower 900 MHz band for NextNav?
The Lower 900 MHz band is central to NextNav’s terrestrial PNT strategy. The company holds licenses in this band and has acquired additional M-LMS A-block licenses, which it describes as enhancing its spectrum position and operational leadership in a band designated for terrestrial positioning services. - What is NextNav’s Pinnacle network?
According to the company’s SEC filings, the Pinnacle network is primarily operated in partnership with AT&T as part of the FirstNet initiative. It is primarily used for public safety applications, including enhanced E911 services. Pinnacle altitude stations are co-located at AT&T wireless sites, and the network is monitored through a network operations center. - How is NextNav involved with 5G-based PNT?
NextNav has reported multiple demonstrations and deployments of 5G-based PNT using Positioning Reference Signal (PRS) on standard 5G equipment. The company describes a 5G PNT network in Santa Clara County and other tests as key milestones toward commercializing a 5G-powered terrestrial complement to GPS. - What partnerships has NextNav announced?
NextNav has announced an expanded partnership with Tokyo-based MetCom, Inc., under which MetCom licensed NextNav’s 5G-based 3D PNT technology to support terrestrial timing services in major Japanese cities. The company has also reported a successful integration of its 5G-based timing technology with an Oscilloquartz GNSS-enabled grandmaster clock for critical infrastructure applications. - How does NextNav report its financial performance?
NextNav reports financial results through SEC filings and press releases, including condensed consolidated balance sheets, statements of comprehensive loss, and cash flow statements. These disclosures cover revenue, operating expenses, other income and expense items, and cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities. - What stock exchange does NextNav trade on and under what symbol?
NextNav Inc. is listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol NN, as indicated in the company’s press releases and SEC filings. - What role does national security and public safety play in NextNav’s business?
In its public statements, NextNav emphasizes that its 3D PNT solutions are intended to protect national security, support public safety, and serve the economy. The company highlights applications such as public safety networks, enhanced E911, and resilient timing for critical infrastructure as key areas where terrestrial PNT can provide value. - How does NextNav describe its use of the global 5G ecosystem?
NextNav states that it leverages licensed low-band spectrum together with the global 5G ecosystem to deliver accurate, reliable, and resilient 3D PNT solutions. Its demonstrations using standard 5G equipment and PRS-based signals are presented as evidence that its PNT capabilities can be integrated into 5G networks.
Stock Performance
Latest News
SEC Filings
Insider Radar
Financial Highlights
Upcoming Events
Existing notes maturity
New notes maturity
Short Interest History
Short interest in Nextnav (NN) currently stands at 16.7 million shares, up 0.8% from the previous reporting period, representing 17.4% of the float. Over the past 12 months, short interest has increased by 21.3%. This moderate level of short interest indicates notable bearish positioning. With 18.2 days to cover, it would take significant time for short sellers to close their positions based on average trading volume.
Days to Cover History
Days to cover for Nextnav (NN) currently stands at 18.2 days, up 25% from the previous period. This elevated days-to-cover ratio indicates it would take over two weeks of average trading volume for short sellers to exit their positions, suggesting potential for a short squeeze if positive news emerges. The days to cover has increased 37.1% over the past year, indicating either rising short interest or declining trading volume. The ratio has shown significant volatility over the period, ranging from 8.0 to 19.0 days.