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

  • Iteris supports V2X data exchange in Florida 
    January 14, 2022
    Data exchange will enable FDoT to communicate critical travel information to the travelling public
  • Communications redundancy increases VMS reliability
    December 17, 2014
    Hybrid communications to variable message signs increase resilience to natural disasters and enable deployment in remote areas, as Alan Allegretto explains. Variable Message Signs (VMSs) are a common sight and a well-proven means to improve public safety on our roads and highways. ITS professionals rank the VMS as second only to interoperable radios as the most important technology to improve effectiveness during emergency incidents and evacuations. Ironically, however, current systems suffer from one criti
  • Kapsch piloting in New York
    May 21, 2012
    New York roadways are safer and more secure thanks to a recent deployment of a series of 5.9 GHz vehicle transponders in commercial trucks that travel the state’s highways. Vehicles equipped with the Kapsch Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) Real-Time Clearance system will be able to electronically report the driver’s identity, the fleet company’s safety record and the vehicle’s health and condition.
  • Global toll revenues $8.5bn while technology ‘battles’ continue
    April 9, 2014
    ABI Research’s Dominique Bonte talks to Jason Barnes about trends in tolling and how a wider appreciation of technology options is sorely needed. Global Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) solution revenues will grow to $8.5bn by 2018, with ETC becoming a main source of funding for both Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and Vehicle-to-X (V2X) cooperative infrastructures, according to a new report from ABI Research (Chart 1). But, says the report’s author, ABI Research vice president and practice director Dom