This past week, Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Ajit Pai regarding the Chairman’s proposal to modernize the 5.9 GHz band. Rep. McNerney was joined by his colleagues Representatives Billy Long (MO-07), Anna Eshoo (CA-18), and John Shimkus (IL-15).

“We write to thank you for releasing a proposal to modernize the 5.9 GHz band. As you know, the 5.9 GHz band was originally set aside in 1999 for vehicle-related Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC). However, this technology has not lived up to its expectations, resulting in much of the 5.9 GHz band to go largely unused. We believe it is time to revisit the allocation of this valuable spectrum to ensure it is being put to the most efficient use,” the Members wrote.

Under the proposal, the lower 45 MGHz of the 5.9 GHz band would be repurposed for unlicensed operations and the upper 30 MGHz of the band would be dedicated for transportation and vehicle safety-related communications.

The letter goes on to state, “… This proposal shows that the Commission remains dedicated to transportation safety while supporting the growing demand for unlicensed services. …”

In June, the Members urged Chairman Pai to move forward with a rulemaking proceeding that takes a fresh look at the 5.9 GHz band.

McNerney serves the constituents of California’s 9th Congressional District that includes portions of San Joaquin, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties.