New America Makes Case for Quick Action on 5.9 GHz Band

Michael Calabrese, director of the Wireless Future Program at New America, explained the group’s push for prompt action on the 5.9 GHz band (see 2008210044) in calls with an aide to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai and Wireless Bureau and Office of Engineering and Technology staff, said a filing posted Thursday in docket 19-138. “Reallocating all 75 megahertz of the unused 5.9 GHz band for unlicensed use and authorizing [vehicle-to-everything] in a new public safety band, particularly the 4.9 GHz band, can achieve the optimal win-win for consumers and the U.S. economy,” Calabrese said. 5G Automotive Association representatives emphasized in a call with a Pai aide the growing use of cellular V2X. Ford “plans to deploy C-V2X Direct throughout its vehicle fleet pending favorable Commission action in this proceeding, and many other automakers, including Fiat Chrysler, BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, and Tesla, among others, also have endorsed this technology,” 5GAA said: “This growing momentum is also reflected in planned and operational infrastructure deployments of C-V2X Direct technology in Colorado, Georgia, Michigan, Virginia, and -- most recently -- Hawaii.”