FCC Issues Record Refresh PN on Wi-Fi/DSRC Sharing of 5.9 GHz Band

Along with updated comments on Wi-Fi and dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) systems designed to curb auto crashes sharing within the 5.9 GHz band, the FCC is seeking submittal of prototype unlicensed interference-avoidance devices for testing and comments on its proposed plan for evaluating electromagnetic compatibility of unlicensed devices and DSRC, the agency said in a record refresh public notice Wednesday. The PN was expected (see 1605260059). Comments in docket 13-49 will be due 30 days after its publication in the Federal Register, with reply comments due 15 days after that. In a statement, Commissioner Ajit Pai said that after laying dormant for two years, a variety of lawmakers and his fellow commissioners, Jessica Rosenworcel and Michael O'Rielly, "[got] this proceeding moving again." Pai also said DSRC is intended to promote safety via vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure purposes, but the commercial applications and radar technologies that could employ the spectrum didn't exist at allocation: "My hope is that we make a smart decision quickly -- both in this spectrum band and in the lower, 120 MHz of the 5 GHz band -- to allow this spectrum to directly benefit consumers." And in a joint statement, Rosenworcel and O'Rielly said the notice "puts in place a framework to demonstrate that unlicensed use in the 5.9 GHz band is possible without causing harmful interference to incumbent licensees," particularly DSRC. They also said the July 30 deadline for the submission of testing equipment and the commitment to complete testing by Jan. 15 were aimed at providing "much-needed certainty for the unlicensed community and car manufacturers."