Conclusion and Policy Recommendations
Twenty years ago, policymakers set aside the 5.9 GHz band for auto safety. Unfortunately, the band remains almost completely unused. The FCC later opened the 5 GHz band for unlicensed use, spurring the growth of Wi-Fi, one of the most important innovations of the internet era. Wi-Fi networks are congested as consumers and businesses rely increasingly on Wi-Fi to offload massive amounts of data to and from mobile devices. It’s time to recognize that both auto safety and wireless technologies have changed markedly, justifying a fresh look at the highest and best use of the 75 megahertz allocated to ITS at 5.9 GHz.
The FCC should adopt its pending proposal to reallocate at least 45 megahertz of the 5.9 GHz band for unlicensed use. This increment of unlicensed spectrum is particularly critical for consumers and the economy to the extent that it creates the first unencumbered 160 megahertz channel to support the next generation of Wi-Fi technology that will help Americans everywhere to access gigabit-fast and affordable 5G-capable applications and services. The commission’s proposal to reallocate 45 megahertz for unlicensed use, creating the first and only unencumbered 160 megahertz Wi-Fi channel at full Part 15 power levels, while designating 30 megahertz exclusively for V2X, strikes an appropriate balance between adding necessary spectrum for Wi-Fi and improving vehicle safety.
The commission should also consider moving V2X services to another band, particularly the 4.9 GHz band, to better harmonize V2X services with 5G networks and to ideally remove the current allocation of ITS as a roadblock to a contiguous and gigabit-fast Wi-Fi superhighway across the upper 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands. There is no need for a zero-sum trade-off between next generation Wi-Fi and auto safety. Consumers need both 5G-capable, next generation Wi-Fi and reliable auto safety communication. Reallocating 5.9 GHz and authorizing C-V2X in a new public safety band can achieve the optimal win-win for consumers and the U.S. economy.