C-V2X Gaining Momentum, 5GAA Members Tell Pai Aide

5G Automotive Association representatives cited “growing momentum” behind cellular vehicle-to-everything technology, in a call with an aide to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “The parties highlighted the ongoing investments in and collaboration on C-V2X Direct by major automotive manufacturers, technology companies, and telecommunications providers,” said a filing posted Tuesday in docket 19-138. Ford, BMW of North America, Fiat Chrysler, Audi of America, Nokia, Qualcomm and Samsung Electronics were among those on the call. Wilkinson Barker’s Sean Conway, a 5GAA outside counsel, said during a Tuesday FCBA webinar the group is “trying to work with” the FCC to ensure a 4G version of C-V2X “can move forward” while also identifying spectrum for 5G use. He was one of several auto industry officials on the webinar who noted their ongoing concerns with the FCC’s 5.9 GHz band plans. The commission is eyeing revised rules that reallocate 45 MHz for Wi-Fi, with 20 reserved for C-V2X and possibly 10 MHz for dedicated short-range communications systems. Conway noted 5GAA wants FCC rules to protect C-V2X in the upper portion of the band. Alliance for Automotive Innovation Safety Director Angel Preston touted the group’s proposal for preserving 5.9 GHz (see 2004290012), saying the FCC’s current NPRM would “hinder” the U.S. globally in advancing auto safety. American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials Program Director-Planning and Policy Matthew Hardy said plans that would preserve only 25 MHz of the 75 MHz of bandwidth wouldn’t allow “enough capacity” to fully realize vehicle-to-vehicle technology’s potential. NCTA Associate General Counsel Danielle Pineres backed the NPRM, saying it strikes a “well-considered balance” that would be an improvement on the current state of operations on the band. FCC Office of Engineering and Technology Policy and Rules Division Special Counsel Howard Griboff gave off-the-record comments during the FCBA webinar.