Oulu Business - Centre for Wireless Communications at the Top of Satellite Positioning

CWC, the Centre for Wireless Communications at the University of Oulu, studies how to shield satellite positioning systems from jamming that can prevent use of the service. Satellite signals are weak by the time they reach the surface of the Earth, which means that a disturbance can cause substantial problems. In fact, it can be catastrophic.

Satellite positioning is used for personal positioning and by many types of transport from ships to aircraft. It has also been used by emergency services for many years. For instance, a law was enacted in the USA in 2001 which states that as a rule, it must be possible to locate a 911 caller within 50 meters. An EU directive from 2003 has a similar requirement, but does not state distance.

Europe is finalizing development of its own satellite positioning system known as Galileo. It will make Europeans independent of the services provided by the US GPS system. Galileo offers greater positioning accuracy than GPS and can offer numerous new services to authorities, professionals and private persons. Galileo's usability is based on its reliability, which is ensured with an information service provided to users.