But don't worry it won't happen this year but it could in 2010.
As millions of people across the world buy GPS systems and mobile phones which incorporate GPS US government officials claim that they are concerned that the quality of the Global Positioning System (GPS) could begin to deteriorate as early as next year, resulting in regular blackouts and failures – or even dishing out inaccurate directions to millions of people worldwide.
The warning centres on the network of GPS satellites that constantly orbit the planet and beam signals back to the ground that help pinpoint your position on the Earth's surface.
The global GPS satellites are managed by the US Air Force who are suffering from a lack of cash right now due to the economic downturn.
There is also evidence of mismanagement and a lack of investment according to a new report which means that some of the crucial GPS satellites could begin to fail as early as next year.
The Guardian newspaper in the UK wrote "It is uncertain whether the Air Force will be able to acquire new satellites in time to maintain current GPS service without interruption," said the report, presented to Congress. "If not, some military operations and some civilian users could be adversely affected."
