Mon Sep 23 22:35:14 UTC 2024: ## GPS Dependency: Americans and the Economy Can’t Live Without It, But What Happens If It Fails?
**New York, NY** – A recent survey revealed that nearly half of all Americans rely on GPS navigation systems in their cars, highlighting the technology’s pervasive role in our daily lives. But the impact of GPS goes far beyond individual convenience; it’s a critical backbone for the American economy.
From Wall Street’s financial clocks to commercial fishing operations and ride-sharing services like Lyft, satellite navigation is essential. However, a study warns that an outage in GPS services could cripple the US economy, costing at least $1 billion per day.
The alarming reality is that there is currently no backup plan in place. This begs the question: who controls GPS and why haven’t we prepared for a potential failure? This week’s episode of The Indicator from Planet Money delves into these crucial questions, examining the complex web of ownership and the urgent need for a Plan B.
**The Indicator from Planet Money** is a podcast exploring the fascinating stories behind the world of business and economics. You can find them on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and subscribe to their newsletter for more insights. For sponsor-free episodes, check out Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or plus.npr.org.
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