THE US Government has warned that the worldwide network of satellites that makes up the Global Positioning System could fail by next year, affecting millions of people around the globe.
Many depend on the satellite navigation network to beam precise directions from A to B into users’ cars or on their mobile phones.
But mismanagement and a lack of investment means the 20-year-old system could lead consumers into nothing but trouble.
The first replacement satellite was supposed to be launched into space in 2007, but won’t be ready until November – nearly three years too late.
And it is unclear whether the satellites in orbit will be able to keep the system running until their replacements arrive.
The satnav system could begin to fail as early as next year, according to a US Government Accountability Office study.
One in three motorists is already being sent the wrong way by satnav.
Interesting…however, I think this begs the question: will this just be a fluke like Y2K?