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Automakers, Wi-Fi Providers Spar for Wireless Bandwidth
Car companies and cable providers are arguing over access to wireless bandwidth currently reserved for automotive use, The Wall Street Journal reports.
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Car companies and cable providers are arguing over access to wireless bandwidth currently reserved for automotive use, The Wall Street Journal reports.
Car companies say they need the spectrum for secure car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure communication, which could reduce accidents and smooth traffic flow.
Cable and technology companies tell the Federal Communications Commission they need more wireless spectrum to provide increasingly popular wi-fi service.
A House subcommittee meeting on the debate has been postponed because of the federal government shutdown.
In 1999 the FCC assigned part of the 5 Ghz band for automotive use. The high-frequency channel isn't useful for cell phones but works well with short-range communications.
Earlier this year the FCC sought feedback on sharing the band with wi-fi service providers. Car companies objected, warning that wi-fi signals could interfere with car-to-car communications and threaten vehicle safety. Cable companies claim they could use the lower end of the allotted spectrum without causing interference.
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