Method for ephemeris assisted global positioning

A method for transmitting ephemeris assisted location data to a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, comprising the steps of:

• a. receiving telemetry word data transmitted by a non-cellular, land-based network, wherein the telemetry word data comprises ephemeris parameters with respect to a location of at least one GPS satellite;
• b. computing a location signal using data provided by a non-cellular, land-based network, wherein the location signal is based upon the ephemeris parameters, and the location signal is computed prior to the GPS receiver locking with the at least one GPS satellite;
• and
• c. transmitting the location signal to the GPS receiver via a one-way link comprising a Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) satellite and at least one terrestrial repeater to reduce the Time To First Fix (TTFF), such that the GPS receiver locks with the at least one GPS satellite based upon the location signal.

An apparatus for receiving data, said apparatus comprising:

• a. a receiver adapted to receive data transmitted from a non-cellular, land-based network, wherein the data comprises ephemeris parameters with respect to at least one GPS satellite;
• b. a processor adapted to perform location computations using the data received from non-cellular, land-based network, wherein the location computation is based upon the ephemeris parameters, and the location computation is performed prior to the GPS receiver locking with the at least one GPS satellite;
• and
• c. a GPS receiver that receives the location computations from the processor via a one-way link that comprises a Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service (SDARS) satellite, such that the GPS receiver locks with the at least one GPS satellite based upon the location computation.