DSRC Spectrum Tech, Connected Cars Must Address 'Potential Risks,' Wheeler Says

Systems using dedicated short range communications spectrum “hold great promise,” FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler told Sens. Ed Markey, D-Mass., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., in a letter dated Sept. 7 and released by the agency Monday. “However, as you note, we must work to ensure technologies operating in DSRC spectrum and the future world of interconnected automobiles address the potential risks that these new technologies could create for consumers' privacy and security,” he said in the brief response. “Due to the number of interrelated issues that are implicated by DSRC, the Commission intends to work closely with our partners at the Department of Transportation (DoT), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Department of Commerce and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to address the concerns raised in your letter.” The senators had asked questions on privacy and cybersecurity.