GPS systems could start to fail within a year

Officials from the US Government and Air Force are concerned that the GPS system could begin to fail resulting in blackouts and incorrect data as early as next year.

The US Air Force has been attempting to acquire new satellites because of budgetary limits and technical mismanagement.

The impact on everyday users could be significant and impact smartphone sales.

If the US system fails rivals from Europe, Russia, India and China could expand their own networks.

Replacement satellites are due to begin launching in November many doubt the system will actually be allowed to fail.

The replacements were due to start launching in 2007 but have faced numerous delays leading to the current crisis.

Tom Coates of Yahoo doubts the failure will be allowed to happen because it is so important to industry and the military.

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