McNerney, Other House Communications Members Back FCC 5.9 GHz NPRM

Rep. Jerry McNerney, Calif., and three other Communications Subcommittee members wrote FCC Chairman Ajit Pai Friday in support of the 5.9 GHz NPRM. The rulemaking, approved in December (see 1912120058), proposes to reallocate the 5.9 GHz band for Wi-Fi and cellular vehicle-to-everything, while potentially preserving a sliver for dedicated short-range communications. The NPRM “will allow this spectrum to continue to be used for its original purposed while supporting the growing demand for Wi-Fi and 5G services across the nation,” the lawmakers said. The other signers were Reps. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif.; Billy Long, R-Mo.; and John Shimkus, R-Ill. “This proposal will ensure that Americans benefit from unlicensed Wi-Fi technologies and additional connected vehicle safety technologies, both of which cannot operate today in the 5.9 GHz band” under existing rules, they said.