FCC seeking comments on opening up 5 GHz band

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comments on a proposed rule that would make the 5.85-5.925 GHz band of spectrum available for expanded wi-fi services. The band is currently dedicated to uses associated with connected vehicle programs. FCC officials announced earlier this year that the commission is seeking to open up the 5 GHz band in order to alleviate wi-fi congestion at major hubs, such as airports and convention centres. However, there are concerns that the technology to prevent
April 15, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
The 2115 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking comments on a proposed rule that would make the 5.85-5.925 GHz band of spectrum available for expanded wi-fi services. The band is currently dedicated to uses associated with connected vehicle programs.

FCC officials announced earlier this year that the commission is seeking to open up the 5 GHz band in order to alleviate wi-fi congestion at major hubs, such as airports and convention centres.  However, there are concerns that the technology to prevent interference isn't mature yet.

The 4944 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, joined by other transportation, technology, and safety groups, has urged protection of the 5.9 GHz band of spectrum so that it could be used for the connected vehicle technology.

The 324 US Department of Transportation (USDOT) connected vehicle program relies on the 5.9GHz band spectrum to transmit the messages that provide key safety information on vehicle position, speed, weather, road conditions, and traffic signal timing.  USDOT is currently in the process of testing connected vehicle technology, a multimodal initiative that will allow for wireless communications between vehicles, transportation infrastructure, and passenger communication devices. While still in early phases, proponents believe the technology will greatly increase safety, through vehicle crash prevention applications, improve mobility by allowing drivers to make choices that reduce delays, and improve the environment through less wasted fuel.

The public is free to comment on the proposed rule until 28 May.

Related Content

  • July 21, 2014
    EU urged to fast-track revised cross-border enforcement law
    TISPOL and its road safety partners across Europe are urging the EU to fast-track the adoption of a modified law on cross-border enforcement of traffic offences such as speeding. The modified rules, published by the European Commission, come in response to a European Court of Justice ruling in May that said the existing law, which came into force in November last year, had been adopted on an incorrect legal basis. The ECJ has said the current rules could remain in effect until May 2015 while new legisla
    Read More
  • February 2, 2012
    Pioneering IntelliDrive technologies in Michigan
    Pete Goldin reports on upgrades to the USDOT's Michigan Test Bed, where IntelliDrive technologies are being pioneered
    Read More
  • July 27, 2012
    In vehicle systems allow drivers to provide travel information
    The use of a Vehicle Data Translator will allow every vehicle on a given segment of road to contribute to a highly accurate, readily accessible source of localised weather information, thus improving safety in all conditions. Sheldon Drobot and William P. Mahoney III, US National Center for Atmospheric Research, Paul A. Pisano, USDOT/Federal Highway Administration, and Benjamin B. McKeever, USDOT/Research and Innovative Technology Administration, write. On the morning of June 10 2009, under the cover of den
    Read More
  • March 16, 2015
    US updates ITS strategy for Connected Vehicle deployment
    Jon Masters looks at the USDOT’s new ITS Strategic Plan for the next five years. Emphasis and direction for the next five years of Government led ITS research in the United States has been framed within a new ITS Strategic Plan. The US Department for Transportation’s (USDOT) ITS Joint Program Office (JPO) published the report at the tail end of 2014 after concluding a two-year ITS industry consultation process. The Plan identifies a vision to transform the way society moves and the ITS JPO’s aim of advancin
    Read More

Highlighted Content