60% of the 5.9 GHz band spectrum is reallocated away from cars.
Last week, the District of Columbia U.S. Court of Appeals upheld the Federal Communications Commission’s decision to move a large portion of a wireless frequency spectrum away from auto safety technology and into the public space. The FCC had made the decision to reallocate 60% of the 5.9 GHz band in 2020, reversing a 1999 decision to reserve the whole frequency for wireless communication between cars to avoid crashes.
Citing public safety, the Intelligent Transportation Society of America and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials filed suit in federal court last year due to the reallocation.
FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel stated that the decision “upholds the FCC’s broad authority to manage the nation’s airwaves in the public interest … Today’s decision recognizes that by allowing this spectrum to evolve we can advance newer safety technologies and grow our wireless economy.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for Chair Rosenworcel as she heads the FCC’s efforts to protect and enhance public communication.
- For U.S. transportation officials as they seek to ensure public safety.
- For discernment for federal judges as they hear cases between competing public interests.
Sources: The Hill, Reuters
