U.S. FCC considering following Canadian lead on automobile spectrum

Two U.S. senators are calling on the Federal Communications Commission to free up spectrum in the 5.9 GHz band for connected automobiles. This will reduce accidents, the pair say. If it does so, the FCC will be following Canada’s example. The Department of Industry, Science and Economic Development (ISED) released a framework for devices and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) in the 5.9 Ghz band last December. Michigan Democrat Gary Peters and Wyoming Republican Cynthia Lummis are calling on the FCC to approve deployment of Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technology in the 5.9 GHz band. The regulator said back in November 2020 that it planned to offer waivers allowing for the deployment but as yet none have been granted, the senators state. In Canada, ISED heard from 20 interested stakeholders, including Rogers Communications Inc., Telus Corp., Meta Platforms Inc., the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) and the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers Association (CVMA). The department weighed issues of existing use of bands and enhancing connectivity in rural and remote areas. It also looked at international deployment of spectrum. “Fifth generation (5G) mobile network technology is expected to enable the creation and expansion of future wireless applications in vertical industries, including ITS applications to support the transportation sector,” the Canadian decision said. In both Canada and the United States, the lower section of the 5.9 band –5850-5895 Mhz – has been set aside for radio local area network (RLAN) devices while the upper end – 5895-5925 Mhz – will be used for ITS service. Telus and Meta were among the respondents who supported using the lower band for RLAN on a no-protection, no-interference basis. Rogers suggested the decision be deferred or that RLAN usage be limited to low-power, indoor use only. 5GAA, CMVA and others opposed the use of RLAN in the lower band. Meta and Telus and others supported the rescinding of ITS in the lower band while Rogers, 5GAA, and the CMVA were among those in opposition, saying such a move would limit ITS applications and could have an impact on safety and efficiency. The ministry decided that using the 5850-5895 MHz band for RLAN was the preferred route. It also decided to rescind the ITS use in the lower band. “ISED is of the view that harmonization of spectrum use between Canada and the US would be highly beneficial and would enable consumers to access and leverage a larger set of equipment at a lower cost,” the decision said. Such harmonization could lead to greater cooperation between manufacturers in both nations and contribute to overall vehicle safety. The department also ruled that existing ITS deployments in the lower band will continue under the no-protection, no-interference basis. It will not accept applications for ITS in the lower band as of Apr. 1. It is mandating C-V2X technology in the 5895-5925 Mhz band. “Swift action on these waivers is essential given C-V2X technology’s potential to reverse rising roadway fatalities,” Peters and Lummis wrote the FCC in February. “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that 42,915 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2021, a 10.5 per cent increase from 2020.” The technology will also contribute to roadway efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, the senators wrote. –Reporting by Paul Park at ppark@thewirereport.ca and editing by Jenna Cocullo at jcocullo@thewirereport.ca.

U.S. FCC considering following Canadian lead on automobile spectrum

News | February 22, 2023

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

FREE TRIAL

SUBSCRIBE

Inside The Wire Report

Information

Hill Times Publishing

Get in Touch With Us

U.S. FCC considering following Canadian lead on automobile spectrum

News | February 22, 2023

Unlock all the Canadian telecom, broadcasting and digital media news you need.

FREE TRIAL

SUBSCRIBE

Related Stories

Satellite networks vital next step for Canada to reach connectivity goals: Terrestar

CTS panelists criticize asymmetrical fibre access regime, urge national approach

ISED launches consultation on expanding mobile coverage with satellites

Telus suggests connectivity options in three BC areas

Reuse & Permissions

Inside The Wire Report

Information

Hill Times Publishing

Get in Touch With Us