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IPFS News Link • Communications

FCC weighs plan to use Russian satellite network ...

• http://www.foxnews.com, By Judson Berger

Wireless carriers and public safety organizations have pitched the idea of using Russia's system to the Federal Communications Commission, as part of their recommendations for improving 911 response. Part of the concern is that under the current system, operators have a hard time locating people calling from cell phones indoors -- and Russia's satellite system, called GLONASS, might be able to help.

But Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., head of a House Armed Services subcommittee, has raised concerns about the influence that might give Vladimir Putin's Russia over the U.S. system.

In a Jan. 21 letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, Rogers specifically questioned whether Putin might be able to use GLONASS "as a weapon" against the U.S., holding the 911 system "hostage" if he wanted.


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