5G Automotive Association Seeks FCC Waiver to Deploy C-V2X in Slice of 5.9 GHz Band

The 5G Automotive Association asked the FCC for a waiver to deploy cellular vehicle-to-everything technology (C-V2X) in a 20 MHz channel (5905-5925 MHz) of the 5.9 GHz band. "C-V2X represents a significant advancement ... and is the first step towards leveraging 5G to increase road safety and to maximize the myriad other benefits of connected vehicles," said a 5GAA petition posted Wednesday that included a 128-page test report. It said "widespread implementation of C-V2X" in the U.S. isn't currently feasible because the FCC's 5.9 GHz band rules restrict intelligent transportation system operations to those using the dedicated short range communications (DSRC) standard. "Recent testing performed by 5GAA members demonstrates that C-V2X peer-to-peer mode consistently outperforms DSRC in several key areas," the petition said. "These performance advantages, which include enhanced reliability over an extended communication range, better non-line-of-sight performance, and greater resiliency, can ... provide vehicles and drivers with an earlier, more complete picture of the surrounding road environment. C-V2X’s performance advantages over DSRC are particularly important in non-line-of-sight scenarios (e.g., around corners, through large trucks, etc.)."