Matheny Discusses ATSC 3.0-based BPS Developments

Why It Matters

BPS offers a terrestrial, GPS‑independent timing layer that safeguards critical infrastructure, reducing economic risk from satellite outages and strengthening national security.

Key Takeaways

• NAB appointed Sam Matheny as EVP to accelerate BPS development.
• DOT awarded $744,000 to fund BPS field testing with Dominion Energy.
• NIST study found BPS timing stability matches or exceeds GNSS performance.
• BPS leverages ATSC 3.0 broadcast towers to deliver backup timing for critical infrastructure.

Pulse Analysis

The Broadcast Positioning System (BPS) is emerging as a strategic complement to satellite‑based navigation, leveraging the nationwide rollout of ATSC 3.0 broadcast signals. By embedding precise timing data within existing TV transmitters, BPS creates a resilient, ground‑based layer that can step in when GPS signals are jammed, spoofed, or otherwise unavailable. This capability aligns with growing concerns over GPS’s single‑point‑of‑failure status, especially for sectors that depend on nanosecond‑level synchronization such as power grids, financial markets, and telecommunications.

Recent milestones underscore BPS’s transition from concept to operational testing. In August, the U.S. Department of Transportation granted NAB a $744,000 contract to conduct real‑world field trials, partnering with Dominion Energy to evaluate timing continuity for grid stability. Parallel scientific validation came from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, whose 2025 peer‑reviewed paper confirmed BPS’s time‑transfer stability as equal to or better than GNSS. These endorsements signal federal confidence and pave the way for broader industry adoption, positioning BPS as a viable public‑safety and national‑security asset.

For broadcasters and technology providers, BPS represents a compelling business case to accelerate NextGen TV deployments. The system’s reliance on high‑power, widely distributed transmitters means it can scale nationally without substantial new infrastructure. As utilities, data centers, and transportation networks explore hybrid timing solutions, BPS offers a cost‑effective, low‑latency alternative that enhances resilience. The NAB’s leadership realignment, placing Matheny at the helm, reflects a focused effort to coordinate standards, field data, and government partnerships, ensuring BPS becomes an integral part of the emerging ATSC 3.0 ecosystem.