NAB Ventures Into Terrestrial Positioning to Challenge GPS Using TV Towers
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has formed Merkhet Solutions to develop a terrestrial positioning system utilizing TV station towers. This initiative aims to create a new business line for free TV providers and compete with the Global Positioning System (GPS).
Key Takeaways
- NAB formed Merkhet Solutions to develop a terrestrial positioning system.
- The new system will beam positioning data from TV station towers nationwide.
- Merkhet Solutions aims to compete with the established Global Positioning System (GPS).
- This initiative is designed to create a new revenue stream for free TV providers.
Why It Matters
The NAB's move into terrestrial positioning signals a strategic pivot by broadcasters to diversify revenue beyond traditional content delivery. By leveraging existing broadcast infrastructure, this initiative could introduce a new competitive player in the location services market, currently dominated by GPS. It signifies an attempt to monetize underutilized assets and could provide an alternative or supplementary positioning technology, particularly for devices like iPhones and Androids. Watch for initial testing phases and partnerships with device manufacturers, as the viability of this new business line hinges on adoption and performance against GPS.
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