Coalition Criticizes NextNav's 900 MHz 5G Field Test

Incumbents say NextNav's network could endanger their operations in the band.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Connected Devices for America Coalition has renewed its criticism of NextNav's field test of a 900 MHz 5G positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) network in Santa Clara County, California. The coalition members previously asked the FCC to pause the tests, arguing that NextNav's network could endanger the operations of incumbents in the 900 MHz band.

Why it matters

The 900 MHz band is used by a variety of incumbent services, including utilities, public safety, and other critical infrastructure. The coalition is concerned that NextNav's 5G PNT network could interfere with or disrupt these existing operations, potentially causing significant problems.

The details

NextNav has been conducting field tests of its 900 MHz 5G PNT network in Santa Clara County, California. The Connected Devices for America Coalition, which represents some of the incumbents in the 900 MHz band, has criticized these tests, arguing that NextNav's network could endanger their operations.

  • The Connected Devices for America Coalition renewed its criticism on Friday, March 9, 2026.
  • The coalition previously asked the FCC to pause the tests in late 2025.

The players

Connected Devices for America Coalition

A coalition representing incumbents in the 900 MHz band, including utilities, public safety, and other critical infrastructure providers.

NextNav

A company that is conducting field tests of a 900 MHz 5G positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) network.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The FCC will likely need to review the concerns raised by the coalition and determine whether NextNav's field tests should be paused or modified to address the potential interference issues.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing tension between incumbent users of the 900 MHz band and new entrants like NextNav that are seeking to deploy innovative technologies in the same spectrum. Balancing the needs of existing critical services with the potential benefits of new 5G applications will be a key challenge for policymakers.