CAGW Statement on 5.9GHz Spectrum Band

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#FullSpectrumFuture–Today, during an event co-hosted by Citizens Against Government Waste (CAGW), WifiForward, and New America’s Open Technology Institute, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai announced a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to take a second look at the 5.9 GHz spectrum band designated in 1999 for the development of dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) systems operating in the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) radio service for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications between automobiles. Development of DSRC has remained stagnant and this vital spectrum has therefore been underutilized for the past 20 years.

Following the Chairman’s announcement, CAGW President Tom Schatz issued the following statement:

“I want to thank FCC Chairman Ajit Pai for taking a second look at the 5.9 GHz spectrum band. The agency’s rule making will make more unlicensed spectrum available across the country and allow everyone at home, at the office, or in public, to have better access to faster Wi-Fi. Properly utilizing this spectrum will positively impact everything from communications between automobiles, to virtual reality (VR) video games, to improved availability of Wi-Fi in public spaces like stadiums and libraries. With expanded availability of unlicensed spectrum, consumers will be able to connect even more devices to the internet at greater speeds and with far less disruption. This announcement is another key step being taken by the FCC under Chairman Pai to perpetuate America’s global leadership in telecommunications and technology.”

Citizens Against Government Waste is the nation’s largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement in government.

Contacts

Ally Abrams (202) 467-5310

aabrams@cagw.org