Author: Ryan Hall

OmniAir Consortium, the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles has filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission in response to NextNav’s petition to reconfigure the lower 900 MHz band—spectrum essential to electronic toll collection across the United States.

OmniAir’s comments express serious concerns with NextNav’s petition for rulemaking, which calls for a reconfiguration of the 902-928 MHz band to support a 5G terrestrial positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) network, and the potential impact on incumbent electronic toll services. NextNav’s proposal would consolidate electronic toll operations into a single and smaller spectrum block than is currently available in the lower 900 MHz band.

“Electronic toll collection generates billions of dollars in revenue each year necessary for the support of critical transportation infrastructure projects across the United States,” said Jason Conley, Executive Director of OmniAir Consortium.  “It is not clear that electronic toll operations can successfully operate in a smaller spectrum footprint. In addition, any changes to the spectrum must be subject to thorough and independent testing to ensure that electronic tolling services are not disrupted by NextNav’s proposed operations in the lower 900 MHz band.”

OmniAir’s comments are available here.

About OmniAir Consortium

OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private companies, research institutions, and independent test laboratories. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.

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OmniAir Consortium®, the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles is playing an essential role in accelerating nationwide deployment of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) safety technologies. 

On August 16, the U.S. Department of Transportation released the final version of the National V2X Deployment Plan, “Saving Lives with Connectivity: A Plan to Accelerate V2X Deployment.”  Developed with extensive input from key V2X stakeholders, the plan lays out short, medium, and long-term goals for V2X deployments in the United States. 

OmniAir® supports the goals of the National V2X Deployment Plan, especially its emphasis on the role of “V2X Certification” in ensuring the availability of trusted, interoperable V2X systems for deployment.

OmniAir’s first-in-the-world certification programs for cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) on-board units (OBUs), roadside units (RSUs), and modules are helping vendors and deployers alike.  OmniAir Certified® devices conform to industry standards and meet interoperability and security requirements. 

Here are a few specific actions that OmniAir and our members are doing to support the National V2X Deployment Plan:

  1. Independent, Third-Party Testing & Certification.  OmniAir offers independent, third-party testing and certification programs for V2X technologies, using a global network of accredited test laboratories, qualified test systems, and validated test cases.  OmniAir is the only organization that offers a full-stack conformance assessment certification program for C-V2X devices (OBUS, RSUs, and modules), including security and performance testing.  
  2. Plugfest Testing & Readiness Events.  Twice a year, OmniAir brings together V2X device manufacturers, test labs, test equipment providers, and engineering firms for a week of comprehensive V2X testing in lab and field environments.  These testing events provide V2X equipment providers with valuable feedback on the readiness of their devices for certification and/or deployment, as well as a snapshot of industry progress.
  3. Webinars and Knowledge Exchange. OmniAir offers webinars and technical training for our members, including deep dive learning sessions and technology demonstrations at our Plugfests from known V2X experts worldwide.
  4. OmniAir has developed an open-source test control interface (OmniAir TCI) that helps vendors, test equipment providers, and laboratories automate their compliance testing. The OmniAir TCI is free, open-source tool available to all.
  5. OmniAir maintains a comprehensive library of test documents, guidance notes, test plans, and procedures that interpret industry standards and guide laboratories in V2X testing.

In addition, OmniAir is preparing for the future with new and expanded certification programs:

  • Aftermarket V2X Device Testing & Certification
  • Interoperability & Reference Device Testing
  • V2X Application Testing (Field & Bench)
  • Certification for V2X-based RUC payment solutions

OmniAir is also helping to support global V2X deployment through partnerships and MOUs with international organizations like ITS Korea, ITS Canada, and the Taiwan Telematics Industry Association, to advance learnings, best practices, and the global harmonization of testing and certification programs.

If you would like more information on OmniAir’s V2X testing and certification programs, or if you would like to get involved, visit our website or reach out to us at info@omniair.org.

Join OmniAir
Apply for Certification
Register for Plugfest

About OmniAir Consortium
OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private companies, research institutions, and independent test laboratories. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.

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OmniAir Consortium®, the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles, has strongly endorsed the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National V2X Deployment Plan. This initiative will expedite the nationwide implementation of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, which is pivotal in creating a safer and more connected transportation infrastructure.

 “OmniAir applauds the Department of Transportation for developing a comprehensive plan to accelerate nationwide deployment of lifesaving connected vehicle and infrastructure technologies,” said Jason Conley, Executive Director of OmniAir Consortium. “The Plan sets ambitious but achievable goals, recognizing the critical roles of interoperability and certification in effectively implementing V2X systems.”

OmniAir commented on the DRAFT National V2X Deployment Plan, emphasizing the importance of its goals and advocating for collaboration to advance V2X technology deployment. The Plan, titled “Saving Lives with Connectivity: A Plan to Accelerate V2X Deployment,” was initially made public in October, and valuable feedback from transportation stakeholders was invited, underscoring the inclusive nature of this initiative.

OmniAir Consortium is dedicated to ensuring that V2X technology consistently meets and exceeds industry standards and benchmarks. As the only certification body offering full-stack certification for C-V2X roadside units (RSU), onboard units (OBU), and modules, OmniAir Certified® devices provide assurance to deployers that their devices conform to industry standards and meet essential interoperability and security requirements.

We are excited to announce the upcoming OmniAir San Diego Plugfest, hosted by Qualcomm, which is designed to ensure that Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) equipment—including on-board units (OBUs), roadside units (RSUs), and modules—are ready for deployment. Register by September 15 to take advantage of Early Bird Pricing discounts!

About OmniAir Consortium
OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private companies, research institutions, and independent test laboratories. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.

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OmniAir Consortium®, the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles, will hold its next Plugfest the week of October 28 in beautiful San Diego, California.  

Hosted by Qualcomm, the OmniAir San Diego Plugfest is designed to ensure that Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) equipment—including on-board units (OBUs), roadside units (RSUs), and modules—are ready for deployment.   

Register by September 15 to take advantage of Early Bird Pricing discounts! 

What Happens at an OmniAir Plugfest? 

OmniAir Plugfests are week-long testing events that bring together leading device manufacturers, vendors, test laboratories, test equipment providers, and deployers from around the world for intensive testing.   

Participating vendors will learn from leading V2X testing experts from across industry and government to ensure that their equipment conforms with standards and meets interoperability, security, and conformance requirements. Participants will receive valuable feedback on device readiness from participating test laboratories, helping them prepare for certification testing or deployment.  

In addition, Plugfests features a technical workshop, parallel technical learning sessions, technology demonstrations, and networking opportunities. 

Why Attend Plugfest Now? 

With the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) preparing to vote on final rules for Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) in the dedicated 5.9 GHz spectrum for Intelligent Transportation Systems, the industry is at a pivotal moment.  

The Plugfest aligns perfectly with the anticipated National V2X Deployment Plan announcement. Furthermore, the recent allocation of $60 million in Advanced Vehicle Technology Grants to Arizona, Texas, and Utah underscores the momentum behind V2X technology deployment.  

This is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate your organization’s readiness and commitment to implementing these groundbreaking technologies. 

Purpose of Plugfests  

OmniAir Plugfests serves as a readiness event designed to validate test cases, devices under test (DUT), and testing equipment. It provides a snapshot of the industry’s current state, capturing valuable data collected anonymously, as participating devices are at various stages of readiness.  

To drive continued progress, it is essential to establish a baseline; therefore, OmniAir is strictly enforcing the requirement that all DUTs must undergo a specific set of key test cases. After attempting the initial set of tests, DUTs may request additional Radio PHY level or application testing. 

Learn More 

Visit our OmniAir San Diego Plugfest webpage for more information.  If you are interested in sponsorship or have questions about participating, please get in touch with Ryan Hall, Vice President of Business Development.  

Don’t forget to Register Now to take advantage of Early Bird pricing. 

About OmniAir Consortium 

OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private companies, research institutions, and independent test laboratories. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org. 

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OmniAir Consortium®, the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for ITS, tolling, and connected vehicles, is developing a certification program for aftermarket vehicle-to-everything (V2X) devices. 

The new program will help extend OmniAir Certification benefits to new classes of connected mobility products, such as e-bikes, micro-mobility, emergency and transit vehicles. 

The new program will help to ensure that aftermarket C-V2X devices (AVD) conform to industry standards and are interoperable with C-V2X On-Board Units (OBU) and Roadside Units (RSU).

Central to this effort is the drafting of certification test plans by OmniAir’s Aftermarket Safety Device (ASD) Working Group, comprising industry stakeholders, including vendors, chipset providers, test laboratories, and V2X deployers.  

The program is designed in alignment with the emerging SAE J3315 standard and is tailored to accommodate the diverse classes of AVDs. The focus is currently on three categories: ultra-light, light, and professional ASDs, with primary emphasis on the first two.

OmniAir plans to validate the draft AVD test cases and test plans at the upcoming OmniAir San Diego Plugfest in October.

With the Federal Communications Commission announcing plans to vote on final rules for deploying C-V2X technologies in the 5.9 GHz Band and the increase in federally funded deployment projects, there is a demand for trusted V2X communications solutions. 

OmniAir currently offers independent, third-party testing and certification for C-V2X OBUs, RSUs, and modules.  OmniAir Certified® devices conform to industry standards and meet interoperability, security, and performance requirements.

OmniAir encourages industry and government experts to participate. If you want to contribute, please contact Ryan Hall or click here to join the working group.

About OmniAir Consortium:
OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification for Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), tolling, and connected vehicles. OmniAir’s membership includes public agencies, private companies, research institutions, and independent test laboratories. Learn more about OmniAir at www.omniair.org.

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