Iridium PNT vs GPS/GNSS

GPS and other GNSS constellations keep the world in sync, and Iridium PNT makes them stronger. It adds a secure, independent signal path that enhances reliability and resilience, even where GNSS can’t reach. 

“PNT” stands for Positioning (where you are now), Navigation (where you want to go), and Timing (what the precise time is now). In some circles the Iridium PNT service is referred to as STL® or Satellite Time and Location®.  

Iridium PNT complements GPS and other global navigation satellite systems to keep time and location reliable when you need it most. It adds an independent, authenticated signal that strengthens resilience against jamming and spoofing, reaches indoors and urban canyons, and is available worldwide today. Visit the Iridium PNT Platform page for how our available service works end-to-end.  

The world depends on the Global Positioning System, but GPS is more than just a blue dot on a smartphone map. It’s a vital global utility. 

GPS is part of a class of satellite constellations known as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Together, GPS and other GNSS provide precise positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) information from space. 

However, GPS and GNSS have some inherent vulnerabilities and are open to serious threats. Here are three examples: 

1. Lack of signal strength. The GPS signal is essentially a “whisper” from satellites orbiting at an altitude of 12,500 miles, which means it’s not as strong or available everywhere. 
2. Susceptible to signal degradation. Buildings, tunnels, tree canopies, and other obstructions can obstruct GPS/GNSS signals. This creates a problem for PNT-dependent systems that are indoors or in other locations where GPS cannot easily reach.  
3. Risk of potential signal disruption. System outages, while rare, can have a profound impact on GPS/GNSS availability or accuracy. And bad actors can deliberately attack GPS to disrupt or deny its legitimate use or disrupt its signal to give a false impression of one’s location pose an increasing threat.  

These factors are why Iridium PNT is a critical service for industries. PNT goes where GPS and GNSS cannot — indoors and in other areas where GPS is unable to reach.  

With a powerful signal emanating from Iridium’s constellation of low Earth orbit satellites, Iridium PNT is the ideal complement to GPS/GNSS. 

Powered by Iridium’s proven network, the crosslinked architecture reduces single points of failure and adds redundancy that enterprises and governments depend on.  

Learn How Iridium PNT Strengthens Operations: 

• Independent path for resilience. Iridium PNT is designed to complement, not replace, GPS and other GNSS for a layered approach to PNT. 

• Hardened against spoofing and jamming. Authenticated, high-power signals help protect GPS-reliant systems from interference and manipulation. 

• Stronger signals reach indoors. Signals are up to 1,000 times stronger than traditional GNSS, which enables reliable operation inside buildings and other obstructed environments. Iridium PNT can operate indoors, in urban canyons, and in other obstructed environments where GPS signals may be lost. 

• Secure, authenticated timing and location. Iridium PNT delivers trusted time and location that can be used as a primary or backup reference to keep networks in sync and applications online. It’s especially effective for telecom timing, finance, and data centers that require continuous synchronization. 

• Global availability. Service is delivered over Iridium’s crosslinked LEO constellation for truly worldwide reach. And our service is available now. 

• Quick to deploy for timing. Installs are straightforward and bring precise timing synchronization for networks and critical infrastructure.