GPS or at least a-GPS (assisted GPS) has finally become mainstream components in smartphones over the past year or two. Apps for the iPhone 3G, in particular, often heavily depend on GPS coordinates. So, guess what? According to TidBITS...

GPS Accuracy Could Start Dropping in 2010

So, what's the problem? According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office report TidBITS found...

It is uncertain whether the Air Force will be able to acquire new satellites in time to maintain current GPS service without interruption. If not, some military operations and some civilian users could be adversely affected.

...and...

If the Air Force does not meet its schedule goals for development of GPS IIIA satellites, there will be an increased likelihood that in 2010, as old satellites begin to fail, the overall GPS constellation will fall below the number of satellites required to provide the level of GPS service that the U.S. government commits to.

The next GPS satellite launch is scheduled for November 2009 which is almost 3 years later than originally planned. So, those of you (us) who have gotten spoiled by GPSes may want to relearn old skills and go "old school".

Via Slashdot