C-V2X Proponents Seek FCC Waiver to Deploy Now

Proponents of cellular-vehicle-to-everything use of the 5.9 GHz band asked the FCC to waive its current rules, so they can deploy now so "consumers and travelers may begin to benefit from this state-of-the-art roadway and vehicle safety technology as soon as possible.” Proponents said they otherwise will have to wait for final FCC action on a rulemaking. The request was filed by Audi of America, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, the departments of transportation in Utah and Virginia, Aaeon Technology, Harman International Industries, Panasonic North America and other companies. The FCC’s November 2020 order (see 2011180043) was “prescient” in saying dedicated short-range communications isn’t the wave of the future, said the filing, posted Tuesday in docket 19-138: “The Waiver Parties are ready, willing, and able to deploy or facilitate deployment of C-V2X.” The request “signifies the collaborative efforts underway to ensure the successful implementation of C-V2X,” emailed Maxime Flament, 5G Automotive Association chief technology officer: “It also demonstrates the strong demand across the transportation industry to immediately deliver C-V2X safety services to American travelers, especially as deployments accelerate in other" world regions.