Skip to main content

FCC adopts C-V2X spectrum rules

ITS industry can move beyond temporary waivers to deploy C-V2X devices
By Adam Hill November 25, 2024 Read time: 2 mins
Decision codifies C-V2X technical parameters in the FCC’s rules (© Justlight | Dreamstime.com)

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted final rules - its second report and order - for cellular Vehicle to Everything (C-V2X) technology. 

It means that, officially, in-vehicle and roadside units will be permitted to operate C-V2X technology in the 5.9 GHz spectrum band dedicated to ITS.

US transportation agencies and private sector companies can move beyond temporary waivers to fully deploy C-V2X devices.

“The FCC’s efforts to evolve the 5.9 GHz band are a win-win," says FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. "It drives innovation in our wireless and transportation economies and can help keep us safe on our roadways when we walk, ride and drive."

“We applaud the FCC for their work towards the completion of this rulemaking," says ITS America president & CEO Laura Chace. "We stand ready to work with our partners to make the promise of V2X a reality; leveraging transportation connectivity to significantly improve safety outcomes for our communities."

The decision codifies C-V2X technical parameters in the FCC’s rules, including power and emission limits and message prioritisation. 

The rules provide flexibility for the auto industry to use three 10-megahertz channels either separately or in combination as a 20-megahertz channel or as a single 30-megahertz channel. 

The FCC's order permits devices that have already been authorised under C-V2X waivers to continue to be marketed and operated.

It also provides a timeline for 'sunsetting' existing dedicated short-range communications (DSRC)-based technology.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • ITS technology reduces congestion, improves workzone safety
    July 17, 2012
    As the road-building season gets under way in the US, the Federal Highway Administration has just published a White Paper which deals with the use of ITS technology in work zones. On 30 April 2009, the US Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published a White Paper which was prepared by the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) to inform public agencies about the use of ITS to manage construction work zones. This is a particularly relevant topic given the large number of construction projects that are ex
  • Panasonic enter partnership to launch C-V2X technology in Colorado
    June 4, 2018
    Panasonic of North America, Qualcomm Technologies and Ford Motor have teamed up to bring cellular-vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technologies to Colorado. The partnership will assess C-V2X capabilities this summer on specific roadways throughout Panasonic's CityNow headquarters in Denver. This agreement is an extension of a partnership between the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDoT) to integrate connected vehicle technology in the state.
  • Regulating rural road use
    June 20, 2016
    David Crawford looks at problems facing indigenous communities and those unfamiliar with driving in rural areas. While it is well known that the fatality rate for road crashes in rural areas is higher than in towns and cities, some groups suffer far more than others. For instance, the rates of death and serious injury from vehicle accidents is much higher for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI and AN) populations living in rural tribal lands than for any of the country’s other ethnic populations. Crashes
  • US DOT issues guidelines for automated vehicles
    September 21, 2016
    The US Department of Transportation is issuing Federal policy for automated vehicles, laying a path for the safe testing and deployment of new auto technologies that have enormous potential for improving safety and mobility for Americans on the road. “Automated vehicles have the potential to save thousands of lives, driving the single biggest leap in road safety that our country has ever taken,” said US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “This policy is an unprecedented step by the federal government