UPDATE The FCC recently adopted final rules for cellular-vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology. These changes are meant to improve transportation safety and permit more efficient mobility as this advanced communications technology is integrated into vehicles and infrastructure.
C-V2X technology provides direct communications between vehicles, roadside infrastructure, and other road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, and road workers. The agency says this will facilitate, among other things, non-line-of-sight awareness, notice of changing driving conditions, and automated driving.
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel calls the Commission’s efforts to evolve the 5.9 GHz band a win-win. “It drives innovation in our wireless and transportation economies and can help keep us safe on our roadways when we walk, ride and drive.”
These new rules will accelerate the automotive industry and state and federal government plans for transitioning to a more advanced C-V2X automobile safety technology, according to the agency. In-vehicle and roadside units will be permitted to operate C-V2X technology in the 5.9 GHz spectrum band dedicated to Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
The Report and Order promotes efficient use of 30 MHz dedicated for ITS in the 5.9 GHz band. It codifies C-V2X technical parameters in the Commission’s rules, including power and emission limits and message prioritization. The rules provide flexibility for the auto industry to use three 10- MHz channels either separately or in combination as a 20-MHz channel or as a single 30-MHz channel. The Order permits devices that have already been authorized under C-V2X waivers to continue to be marketed and operated, and provides a timeline for sunsetting existing Dedicated Short Range Communications-based technology.
The new rules will be effective 60 days following publication of the Second Report and Order in the Federal Register.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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