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ITS America & AASHTO: 5.9 GHz legal action

Two respected transportation bodies launch appeal against FCC's decision on 5.9 GHz band
By Adam Hill June 7, 2021 Read time: 2 mins
ITS America and AASHTO are concerned about safety of V2X tech following FCC ruling (© Jae Young Ju | Dreamstime.com)

ITS America and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) have filed an appeal of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)'s November 2020 order regarding unlicenced devices in the 5.9 GHz spectrum band.

ITS America and AASHTO say they are taking legal action to ensure Vehicle to Everything (V2X) technologies "can continue to safely operate throughout the 5.9 GHz band". 

The lawsuit, filed in the DC Circuit Court, seeks to reverse the FCC’s reallocation of 60% of the 5.9 GHz band to unlicenced, non-transportation uses, and preserve the full 75 MHz for transportation communications. 

The FCC's decision has already been criticised by ITS America as 'reckless' as well as 'shortsighted and detrimental'.

“Safety has always been our top priority,” said Shailen Bhatt, president & CEO of ITS America. 

“We are taking this action because V2X technologies continue to be our best available tool to significantly reduce crashes and save lives on American roadways.” 

“Keeping people safe is the top priority for every state DoT,” said Jim Tymon, AASHTO executive director.

“We believe the FCC ruling has undermined state DOTs’ ability to utilise the 5.9GHz safety frequency as it was intended to be used.” 

You can see the 5.9 GHz Notice of Appeal and 5.9 GHz Petition for Review here.

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