ITS America responds to FCC NPRM for spectrum sharing

Following the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking to open up additional spectrum for unlicenced wi-fi devices within the 5.9 GHz band which serves as the platform for connected vehicle technology, Scott Belcher, President and CEO of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America), issued the following statement today: “ITS America supports the need to explore spectrum sharing in the 5 GHz band and appreciates the chairman’s commitment to a pr
February 21, 2013 Read time: 2 mins
Following the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking to open up additional spectrum for unlicenced wi-fi devices within the 5.9 GHz band which serves as the platform for connected vehicle technology, Scott Belcher, President and CEO of the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (560 ITS America), issued the following statement today:

“ITS America supports the need to explore spectrum sharing in the 5 GHz band and appreciates the chairman’s commitment to a process of consultation with the stakeholder community that will protect the integrity of connected vehicle technology. We also recognize the desire of the Commission to move forward expeditiously, while cautioning against putting near-term life-saving innovations like connected vehicle technology at risk in the pursuit of future wi-fi applications.”

ITS America was recently joined by other transportation stakeholders in raising concerns about the Commission’s 5.9 GHz proposal.  The letter, which is online here, is signed by groups ranging from 4939 AAA, the 2094 Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the 4946 Association of Global Automakers, 4944 American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, American Public Transportation Association, and Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance to numerous private companies and state and local DOT officials from Michigan, California, Florida, Texas, New York, Arizona and Washington State.

“We look forward to working with the Commission, the NTIA, US DOT, and other government and non-government stakeholders to evaluate whether and how unlicensed devices could operate safely in the band without interfering with new vehicle crash avoidance systems which depend on secure, reliable, real-time communication between vehicles.”

Related Content

  • January 21, 2013
    ITS America statement on FCC proposed spectrum sharing
    In response to recent comments by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, and the ongoing study of spectrum sharing being undertaken by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) urged spectrum policymakers not to fast track a decision on opening the 5.9 GHz band to unlicensed users. A complete record and fair opportunity for all affected parties to participate in the process needs to be addressed, particularly since life-saving v
    Read More
  • June 23, 2014
    ITS America, automakers respond to Rubio-Booker 5.9 GHz spectrum legislation
    The Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) and US automakers have responded to the announcement on legislation introduced by US Senators Marco Rubio and Cory Booker that would set deadlines on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for developing and publishing a test plan for the use of unlicensed devices in the 5.9 GHz band. The senators introduced S. 2505, the Wi-Fi Innovation Act, legislation to expand unlicensed spectrum use by requiring the Federal Communications Commissio
    Read More
  • April 16, 2013
    Don’t miss the Special Session on Wi-Fi Expansion and the Future of Connected Vehicles!
    As part of an effort by policymakers to make better use of the nation’s airwaves, Congress last year directed the National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA) to examine the potential for spectrum sharing in the 5.4 GHz and 5.9 GHz bands, the latter of which was set aside by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1999 for the development of connected vehicle technology. On January 25, the NTIA issued an initial report expressing concern about the potential interference risks asso
    Read More
  • February 27, 2013
    Need to analyse risks of 5.9GHz spectrum sharing
    Scott Belcher of ITS America explains why moves towards spectrum sharing in the 5.9GHz band should not be allowed to proceed until further analysis of the risks to road safety has been undertaken. The ability to move people and goods safely and efficiently has always had a direct impact on a country’s economic advantage and its citizens’ quality of life. It is estimated that by 2050, the number of vehicles around the world is set to double to two billion, placing enormous demands on the global transport
    Read More

Highlighted Content