In a statement issued last week, the Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) denounced a unanimous decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allow other users onto the previously reserved 5.9 GHz spectrum.
Known as the vehicle safety spectrum by the transportation industry, this particular band was reserved for the industry to implement new safety technologies, especially as connected vehicles become more prominent. MEMA has historically urged the preservation and maintenance of the band in its entirety.
In this case, the FCC disagreed, issuing a landmark decision to split the spectrum block for use by wireless devices to meet the bandwidth needs brought about by 5G deployment. A second round of voting is required after a period of public comment, but with the unanimity shown in the initial decision, the split seems all but guaranteed.
“Allowing other wireless uses on the Vehicle Safety Spectrum could compromise motor vehicle safety and will hinder the testing and advancement of new technologies that could improve the safety and efficiency of driving in the United States,” MEMA said in its statement. “This is a major blow to present and future technologies that could save lives. Once the Safety Spectrum bandwidth is lost, there is no going back.”
The organization went on to state that splitting the spectrum could, in the long term, actively hinder vehicle safety communication deployment, posing risks to a critical capability. MEMA has vowed to continue supporting the preservation of the spectrum, including filing comments during the public comment period and pursuing advocacy efforts in coordination with other transportation stakeholders.