The Commission plans to vote on final rules to allow in-vehicle and roadside units to operate cellular-vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology in the 5.9 GHz band dedicated to Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).
FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel says the changes would improve transportation safety and mobility by integrating advanced communications technologies into vehicles and infrastructure. “The evolution of the 5.9 GHz band advances new car safety technologies in an efficient and effective way while also growing our wireless economy,” said Rosenworcel. She calls it: “sound spectrum management at work.”
C-V2X technology provides direct communications between vehicles, roadside infrastructure, and other road users such as cyclists, pedestrians, and road workers, Inside Towers reported. The point is to facilitate non-line-of-sight awareness, notice of changing driving conditions, and automated driving.
The Report and Order circulated by Rosenworcel yesterday would, if adopted, promote efficient use of 30 MHz dedicated for ITS in the 5.9 GHz and codify C-V2X technical parameters in the Commission’s rules, including power and emission limits and message prioritization.
The rules would provide flexibility for the auto industry to use three 10 MHz channels either separately, in combination as a 20 MHz channel or as a single 30 MHz channel. They would establish prioritization of safety-of-life communications. Licensees already operating under C-V2X waivers would not be required to make changes to their currently deployed systems. Existing Dedicated Short-Range Communications would sunset within two years.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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