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Apple applies for FCC license to begin installing GPS testing equipment at Apple Park

This could imply a few different things.

According to recent filings with the FCC, Apple has requested permission for a special license to install GPS equipment. This both indicates that Apple is planning to increase its GPS testing, and marks the first time Apple has requested such a license.

For the purposes of licensing, GPS transmitters are included in radio broadcasting legislation, and enforced jointly by the FCC and the US National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which is part of the Department of Commerce.

Firms wishing to use transmitters must apply for an Experimental License Filing, which Apple did on January 23, 2020.

The application has not yet been granted, but it has been made by Apple systems design engineer, Harsha Hanumanthaiah. 

The application specifically covers the installation of GPS equipment, listed as a “new or modified radio station” within the FCC’s definition, and operate it initially for a period of up to two years.

According to the application, there are two core objectives:

In the application, Apple says that there are two objectives.

“[First] illumination of the part of the facility, located at 1 Apple Parkway, Cupertino, CA,with a GPS signal to allow for the testing and experimentation indoors for continued exploration of utilizing GPS technologies within their devices to provide innovative applications and continue to provide safe products.

[Second] further design, development and enhancement of existing GPS applications to provide greater efficiency and more effective means of utilizing GPS derived information.”

Such an application means that Apple would be installing a GPS transmitter or repeater within Apple Park to better control and test its own GPS devices. Apple plans to use one GPS repeater called a Metro GNSS —where GNSS is the global term for all GPS-like systems.

Companies applying for such a license must specify where the device will be used. Once installed, the device cannot be moved without the license being re-applied for.

While this appears to be the first GPS-related application, Apple has previously applied three times for licenses to conduct tests regarding cellular and consumer radios. It was successful each time, with the applications being approved after between one and two months.

Finally, Apple has recently advised users of its iPhone 5 handset to update their iOS version to accommodate a scheduled upgrade to the worldwide GPS network.

Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.

Via AppleInsider and FCC Report