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Comment by ikjasdlk2234 | Hacker News Reader

I think people are missing a huge impact that GPS has beyond positioning. GPS transmits timing signals. Those timing signals are used in industries throughout the world to sync transactions. Without which, you are left to syncing via potentially untrusted clocks. Finance [1] is a huge example of the ubiquity of adoption of GPS timing.

[1] https://qz.com/1106064/the-entire-global-financial-system-de...

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Bah humbug.

ATMs may be designed to use super precise timstamps, but they don't need to be. At all.

The interesting timing constraints are between stock exchanges... but in those situations the speed of light is a bigger factor than clock drift, even if you're just using NTP, and you can't avoid speed of light delays/desyncs.

Good point of view. From an ATM point of view, there is no need to rush other than verifying the user authenticity and available funds. Any double/triple/quadruple requests to withdraw funds within a short amount of time can be delayed since they would likely indicate malicious actors.

For stock exchanges you are absolutely correct. I remember many years ago paying so much extra for the fastest internet access and sub-second delay access to our local stock exchange. Even so it was still slower (lag) when compared to those with offices placed very close to the stock exchange building/infrastruture at that time.

Thanks, that user-case scenario is certainly critical. Just outside of my own view.

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