Why is GPS free?

Question

satellite navigation

Why does it cost nothing for the end user to use GPS? Who pays for satellite services?

Answer 1

GPS is a development of the US military, originally intended for use by the same military. However, after a major plane crash due to the fact that the plane went off course (more on Wikipedia), they decided to open GPS for civilian use.
GPS uses a non-requested data transmission method, that is, your receiver calculates the coordinate based on the data received from the satellites, but does not transmit any information to the satellites itself. Therefore, your use of GPS places no burden on GPS satellites or networks and costs US taxpayers nothing.

Answer 2

There is nothing free, money is deducted by manufacturers of receivers.

Answer 3

Calm down, I pay for GPS satellites. Just an idiot.