BPS: A New Beat for Sam Matheny

Why It Matters

BPS could safeguard U.S. government operations against GPS disruptions, reshaping national security and creating new revenue streams for broadcasters.

Key Takeaways

• BPS aims to provide GPS‑resilient positioning for U.S. government
• Sam Matheny appointed BPS EVP effective early 2026
• Tariq Mondal serves as BPS Vice President
• NAB accelerates BPS development after Trump’s White House return
• Broadcasters positioned as critical infrastructure for alternative positioning system

Pulse Analysis

The growing fragility of the Global Positioning System has sparked a strategic pivot toward terrestrial alternatives. Experts warn that solar storms, jamming, and cyber‑attacks could compromise GPS‑dependent operations ranging from military navigation to critical infrastructure monitoring. In response, the Broadcast Positioning System leverages the existing network of television and radio transmitters to triangulate precise locations, offering a hardened layer of redundancy that operates independently of satellite constellations. This approach not only mitigates risk but also capitalizes on a mature, nationwide broadcast infrastructure.

Leadership changes underscore the seriousness of the BPS push. Sam Matheny, a veteran of broadcast technology, stepped into the role of Executive Vice President in early 2026, bringing operational expertise and industry connections. He joins forces with Tariq Mondal, the newly appointed Vice President, to align technical development with regulatory frameworks. The National Association of Broadcasters, traditionally focused on content and spectrum policy, is now steering a national security‑oriented project, signaling a broader convergence of media assets and defense objectives.

For the market, BPS represents a potential new revenue stream for broadcasters while delivering a public‑good service. By embedding positioning signals into existing transmission towers, broadcasters can monetize spectrum usage without significant capital outlay. Simultaneously, the U.S. government gains a resilient navigation layer that could be critical during crises. As the initiative matures, expect increased collaboration between telecom regulators, defense agencies, and media companies, setting a precedent for public‑private partnerships in critical infrastructure resilience.