Galileo down: the European Union’s satellite navigation system has been down since Friday due to what has been described as “a technical incident.” Galileo signals can be used by the iPhone 8 and later and Android smartphones for mapping and other location services …
Signals from the European system can be used by a number of smartphones, with an outdated list available on the official website.
Location services and mapping shouldn’t be noticeably affected, as devices able to receive Galileo signals do so alongside the US GPS ones, and sometimes Russia’s GLONASS system and the Chinese Beidou service too. In the absence of Galileo, devices will simply fall back to the US system. However, as the European system is a more modern and precise service, position accuracy may be very slightly impacted with Galileo down.
The official statement doesn’t shed much light on the nature of the problem, stating only that the issue relates to ‘its ground infrastructure.’
The site reminds us that Galileo is officially still in its pilot phase, when glitches are to be expected. Currently, it has 22 operational satellites, two more in orbit but still in testing, and 12 more under construction.
Experts are working to restore the situation as soon as possible. An Anomaly Review Board has been immediately set up to analyse the exact root cause and to implement recovery actions.
The BBC points to a report claiming to have more details.
There is no word yet on when service may be restored.
