OmniAir Consortium® is looking forward to continued growth of our V2X and tolling certification programs in 2020.
There has been a great deal of discussion over the past several weeks about the recent decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on the 5.9 GHz Band, also known as “the Safety Spectrum.”
Many in the transportation community who have been working to develop and deploy life-saving V2X technologies view the proposal with dismay. There is much to criticize in the Commission’s proposal. In particular, the proposed reallocation of 45 MHz away from transportation safety, and for use by unlicensed devices, thus leaving only 30 MHz for V2X, represents a poor policy choice.
However, the NPRM opens the door to the widespread adoption of C-V2X devices the United States. Currently, C-V2X projects can only be deployed under an experimental license.
Undoubtedly, the FCC’s proposal will be the subject of much discussion and debate. Over the next several months, we will see this play out before the FCC, in the press, and in the halls of Congress. OmniAir® will file its own comments, noting our concerns with the proposed spectrum reallocation plan.
However, the need for trusted communications devices for transportation safety will not wait for policymakers. Neither will OmniAir. We are moving forward!
OmniAir’s goal is to ensure that all V2X devices deployed conform with industry standards and meet minimal requirements for interoperability, regardless of the underlying radio technology.
Next year, OmniAir will launch the world’s first comprehensive certification program for C-V2X devices. This program has been in development since early 2019, and OmniAir’s C-V2X Working Group has already finished over 100 new and unique test cases.
We expect all test specifications to be completed by our Spring Plugfest. During the spring, we expect to begin test equipment qualifications and lab authorizations for C-V2X testing. We expect the program to launch by early Q3.
At the same time, we are continuing to grow and evolve OmniAir’s DSRC-V2X certification program. We are continuing to work with the Federal Highway Administration on developing new RSU and security tests.
In addition, there are now eight OmniAir Authorized Test Laboratories around the world performing certification programs for DSRC-V2X devices. We are expanding OmniAir’s certification programs outside of North America. This growth reflects the continued strong, and growing, global market for connected vehicle technologies. OmniAir is expanding the reach of our certification programs to meet the demand for trusted and certified devices.
OmniAir’s key initiatives for 2020 include:
We are also planning our next V2X Plugfest the week of April 27-May 1. The OmniAir Lonestar Plugfest, hosted by City of Austin, will be a comprehensive testing event for both DSRC and C-V2X devices, with a connected vehicle policy conference and technical learning sessions and site tours throughout the week. More information will be available in early January.
Finally, we are planning the most important expansion of our certification program for RFID tolling tags and readers. OmniAir is developing, with the help of leading experts from the tolling community, the first Multi-Protocol Tolling Device Certification Program. With the launch of this new program, OmniAir will advance the long-sought goal of national toll interoperability.
OmniAir will not be able to accomplish these goals alone. We need the experience, technical expertise, and hard work of our active, engaged volunteer members. If you are not yet an OmniAir member, please consider joining and helping with these important efforts!
For more information about how you or your colleagues can get involved with OmniAir, please contact Kate Oldham, OmniAir’s Senior Director of Meetings & Member Services.
About OmniAir Consortium
OmniAir Consortium is the leading industry association promoting interoperability and certification in 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