28/09/2009 (Agence Europe) - The navigation signal for the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) is due to become freely operational on Thursday 1 October. Activation of the service, for which access is open and free of charge, will allow coverage of GPS signals (self-positioning system by satellite developed by the US) and increase precision up to two metres as opposed to the 17 metres currently provided by GPS. The signal will only be available for GPS receptors that are compatible with EGNOS, but no authorisation or certification is required to equip receptors with this function. Since 1 April, EGNOS, which is the precursor of the European satellite radio-navigation system, has been owned and managed by the European Union. The European Space Agency keeps its role of agent responsible for awarding market contracts and for design. (A.By./transl.jl)