Carmakers want the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to delay in reassigning wireless spectrum because it may be used someday for a program designed to avoid accidents.
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers – which represents Ford, GM, Chrysler, Toyota and Volkswagen – has asked the FCC in an intended letter to postpone until "a decision by the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding implementation of a connected vehicle network which could save tens of thousands of lives each year," according to news reports.
The FCC may reassign some of the spectrum to wireless Internet use.
"We support efforts to identify spectrum that may be utilized to expand Wi-Fi applications. But with over 30,000 deaths on our nation's roads every year, we also believe it is critical that efforts to open up additional spectrum do not come at the expense of revolutionary life-saving technologies," the letter said, according to The Detroit News.
Congress enacted a new law telling the FCC to allow unlicensed use of spectrum in the 5.4 GHz band. A requirement for the 5.9 GHz band was dropped.
"This decision reflects the recognition by Congress of the life-saving potential of connected vehicle technology and the unknown but potentially serious complications associated with allowing unlicensed devices to operate in the band," the letter said.
In addition, connected vehicle technology "will enhance safety on the nation's highways," perhaps reducing "80 percent of the crash scenarios involving non-impaired drivers," according to the National Telecommunications & Information Administration.
Automakers said there are risks if unlicensed devices are introduced into the 5.9 GHz band. They also “support NTIA's conclusion that further analysis is needed to determine whether and how the multiple risk factors could be mitigated," according to the letter.
The NHTSA wants over the next five to 10 years to demonstrate “improved capability of collision avoidance systems, ensure that systems are both effective and usable to consumers, and provide a basis for understanding the benefits, (i.e., collisions, injuries and fatalities that will be avoided),” the Office of Vehicle Safety Research states.
Edited by
Alisen Downey