Spectrum

NextNav to Test 5G GPS Backup in San Jose

The test is planned to run through Dec. 1, 2027.

Jake Neenan

Dec 11, 2025 — 2 min read

Photo of NextNav CEO Miriam Sorond from the company

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2025 – Geolocation company NextNav is planning to test its proposed 5G GPS backup system in California, the company announced Thursday.

After securing an experimental license from the Federal Communications Commission on Nov. 20, the company is planning to turn the system online in the near future, potentially Thursday, and operate it through Dec. 1, 2027. The network will consist of eight 5G radios in San Jose.

The network will operate in line with NextNav’s proposal for a nationwide GPS backup, which would see the 902-928 MegaHertz (MHz) band altered to give the company 15 megahertz to support a terrestrial geolocation network and 5G broadband.

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Spectrum NextNav Mariam Sorond San Jose GPS

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