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November 3, 1999 10:54 AM, EST

The Federal Communications Commission has approved the 5.9 gigahertz bandwidth for dedicated short-range communications, which involves intelligent transportation systems.

Supporters of the higher radio spectrum note it will allow for more applications than the lower 915 megahertz used in most of today’s equipment. Moreover, they argue that the higher band will resolve technology disputes, provide incentives to build more sophisticated products and put the United States in sync with Europe and Asia, where 5.9 GHz is already in use (1-25, p. 10).

For trucking companies, shippers and even travelers, their stake in the Oct. 21 decision involves the types of equipment needed for electronic toll and pre-clearance operations. DSRC is used in such areas as traffic light control and monitoring, toll collection and electronic inspection of moving trucks. Shifting to the higher bandwidth may require the purchase of new transponders and other information-transmitting devices.

“This decision will enable broader, innovative uses of telecommunications technology and result in enhanced safety and efficiency of our nation’s surface transportation system,” Deputy Transportation Secretary Mortimer L. Downey said in hailing the FCC approval.

For the full story, see the Nov. 1 print edition of Transport Topics. .