EC takes decisive step - sets aside spectrum for “intelligent” cars
The European Commission in its attempt to meet European goal of reduction in road accidents, took a decisive step of setting aside 30MHz of radio spectrum for cars to enable communication with each other.
The spectrum in 5.9GHz band will enable the intelligent cars to converse with wireless enabled warning signs and other roadside infrastructures. EC’s statement read that, development of a system for smart vehicle communications is integral to its campaign against traffic jams and road accidents.
Viviane Reding, EU’s telecoms commissioner states that transmission of critical messages quickly was most essential for road safety. He informed that 24 per cent of driving time is wasted in traffic jams and its cost could reach up to €80bn [£63bn] by 2010.
Explaining the usefulness of smart communication through an example, EU mentions that a car coming across a slippery patch could communicate it to all cars in the vicinity or a traffic management centre could relay road closure instruction to passing cars through use of roadside transmitters. The national regulatory authorities would set aside spectrum within next 6 months. The EU assured that existing spectrum users and the amateur radio enthusiasts would continue to remain in the relevant frequencies.
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