Farewell DSRC as US finally adopts 5.9GHz for 5G V2X

The US telecoms regulator has approved the use of the 5.9GHz 5G band for vehicle V2X cellular applications and will sunset the existing Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC)-based technology in two years time.

The approval by the Federal Communications Commission to allow the use of the 5.9 GHz band allows cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) equipment to support roadway safety communications technologies.

The dedicated 30MHz band at 5.9GHz will support C-V2X direct communications between vehicles and roadway infrastructure, cyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users and is key to module makers such as Qualcomm and Autotalks, which verified the first 5G V2X chipset back in February for module production in 2026.

“The FCC’s efforts to evolve the 5.9 GHz band are a win-win. It drives innovation in our wireless and transportation economies and can help keep us safe on our roadways when we walk, ride and drive,” said departing FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. 

In-vehicle and roadside units will be permitted to operate C-V2X technology in the 5.9 GHz spectrum band dedicated to Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS).

The rules provide flexibility to use three 10-megahertz channels either separately or in combination as a 20-megahertz channel or as a single 30-megahertz channel.  The Order permits devices that have already been authorized under C-V2X waivers to continue to be marketed and operated.

It also provides a two year timeline for ceasing operation of existing DSRC technology based on IEEE802.11p which was integrated into chipsets back in 2018.

The move was welcomed by the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA), which first petitioned the FCC for a 5G V2X waiver in November 2018.

 “Today’s FCC decision will enhance roadway, cyclist and pedestrian safety by enabling highly reliable and low-latency C-V2X communications,” said John Kwant, Executive Director, Americas, for 5GAA. “Now, for the first time in the United States, C-V2X can operate freely in the 5.9 GHz dedicated transportation safety spectrum in tandem with network connectivity to provide unparalleled safety alerts for greatly enhanced vehicle efficiency and awareness of roadway threats near or far, seen and unseen.” 

The band will be important for the US National V2X deployment plan and several projects currently being set up.