Concerns over the GPS network's accuracy are again at the forefront after it was revealed that the latest satellite launched in March to boost the sagging network isn't even close to being operational.

So far it is going to take until at least October to get the satellite online, if it ever will be ready. It's a sad note on a system that underpins such an important part of our technological infrastructure.

It wouldn't be so bad if the problem was isolated to just this one satellite, but it now appears that the dodgy new edition is interfering with the rest of the network. Given the lack of accuracy from my GPS system these days I can believe it. Some sources are saying accuracy is down from two feet to 20!

The airforce is making reassuring noises but there's the whole location-based commerce system at stake. I'm sure the armed forces can't be too happy either - difficult to do a surgical strike when the accuracy is so poor you might as well use a chain saw.

18 Jun 2009