Resilient PNT Media Release

FrontierSI Urges Action on Resilient Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Infrastructure

For Immediate Release

FrontierSI, February 2024

MELBOURNE, AUS: FrontierSI, a leading force in geospatial innovation, unveils a review of government policy to strengthen Australia’s Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) infrastructure with a new white paper and technical report. In an era defined by digital dependency and cyber threats, ensuring the resilience of PNT technology is imperative to maintain uninterrupted access and safeguard our nation’s future.

Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) technology, similar to the GPS in everyday devices, steers various industries from agriculture to finance. It is pivotal for essential services, such as precise navigation, timekeeping and securing global financial transactions, yet its global presence and economic significance are often overlooked.

Recent technological glitches and malicious cyber activities have highlighted vulnerabilities within Australia’s PNT ecosystem. When satellite signals falter, industries such as agriculture and maritime feel the sting, emphasising weaknesses that demand attention.

Joshua Critchley-Marrows, FrontierSI Space PNT Lead said

 “PNT is an essential utility we presently have no control over. Australia’s access to PNT is intrinsically linked to satellite-delivered services from foreign-owned and operated assets, such as the Global Positioning System from the USA. We must invest in our own infrastructure so we can ensure continuous access to this critical service that underpins nearly all aspects of our daily lives.

The global focus on PNT resilience stresses the need for Australia to act swiftly, drawing from international strategies to tailor-make our solutions. Resilient PNT requires strengthening our systems against disruptions while offering assured, robust, augmented, and alternative PNT solutions.

Fortifying PNT resilience is non-negotiable to safeguarding Australia’s critical infrastructure and economic vitality. From legislative reinforcement to supply chain scrutiny, FrontierSI’s review of government policy guides us towards PNT resilience. The recommendations set out in the white paper and technical report urge proactive measures, placing various vital sectors such as defence and maritime sectors at the forefront of our strategic approach.

Graeme Kernich, FrontierSI CEO said

 “In a world of escalating competition and geopolitical tensions, PNT disruption has become more frequent and severe. Australia is not exempt from these threats, and they will continue to escalate. Protecting our nation’s critical infrastructure through resilient PNT technology is not just a priority—it’s a necessity in today’s volatile landscape.

FrontierSI stands at the forefront of Australia’s journey towards resilient PNT infrastructure. Leveraging over 20 years of expertise and collaboration, FrontierSI aims to drive innovation and security, forging a path towards a future where PNT remains steadfast and unwavering. Reach out to explore how we can navigate Australia’s PNT future together.

— ENDS —

About FrontierSI

FrontierSI, formerly the CRC for Spatial Information, has a strong record of delivering spatial information services throughout Australia, New Zealand and around the world. We harness the transformative power of collaboration and robust networks to curate top-tier teams dedicated to effective problem-solving. As a trailblazing social enterprise, we focus our deep spatial expertise on developing and implementing solutions using applied geodesy, spatial infrastructures, analytics, space technologies, and artificial intelligence | https://frontiersi.com.au

Contact Information

Media contact: FrontierSI Communications Manager, Veronica Perera, frontiersimedia@frontiersi.com.au