ITS America to Senate: 5G Connectivity Will be Transformational for Safety, Mobility, Accessibility

Statements & Press Releases

Issues:

February 6, 2019

WASHINGTON – Testifying before Congress today, Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) President & CEO Shailen Bhatt said fifth-generation wireless technologies (5G) have the potential to deliver a transportation system that is safer, offers more choices, and is more inclusive.

At the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee’s first hearing of the 116th Congress, “Winning the Race to 5G and the Next Era of Technology Innovation in the United States,” Bhatt made the case that 5G has the capability of revolutionizing the way people, goods, services, and information move in the 21st century.

He noted that while the world is awash in a sea of big data, 5G has the speed and bandwidth to convert that data into actionable information that will in turn help reduce crashes and operate transportation systems more effectively.

“While vehicles can communicate with each other and all system users today (V2X communications), it will only get easier with 5G and other next generation wireless technologies,” Bhatt said. “With high-speed communications among devices, vehicles, and infrastructure as well as pedestrians, we can create a much safer environment in metro and rural areas in which everyone can see all users – even if they happen to be around a corner.”

Bhatt told the Committee it is imperative to preserve the spectrum dedicated for safety critical communications in the 5.9 GHz band for V2X.

In addition to improving safety, high-speed connectivity will boost Mobility on Demand by giving people realtime information that will allow them to make better transportation choices. Just last week, ITS America outlined plans for its Mobility on Demand Alliance at an event on Capitol Hill.

Bhatt also touched on international implications. “Other countries have been very clear about their intent to make forays into the automotive and information technology sectors. It is imperative for the United States to maintain its leadership role and provide safer and more inclusive communities,” he said.

Bhatt’s full testimony is available here.

Contact: Cathy St. Denis, cstdenis@itsa.org

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About ITS America: The Intelligent Transportation Society of America advances the research and deployment of intelligent transportation technologies to save lives, improve mobility, promote sustainability, and increase efficiency and productivity. Our vision is a better future transformed by intelligent mobility: safer, greener, smarter. For more information, please visit www.itsa.org

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Technology evolves faster than we can imagine the future. Rapidly evolving transportation innovations are being developed and deployed that promise to entirely reshape the way our transportation network operates, facilitating vast improvements to transportation safety and overall mobility. The promise of these innovations is apparent, but the deployment and application of these technologies is not without challenges. While technology disrupts the transportation ecosystem with new innovations and ideas, government, communities, private companies, and researchers must race to catch up to and contend with ideas never thought possible. How do we accelerate change and safely embrace new technology while promoting collaboration across industry to advance shared societal goals? Through nonprofits like the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America).

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As advocates for transportation innovation throughout the world’s largest transportation network, ITS America’s public, private and academic members are dedicated to championing smart mobility strategies to ensure safe and thriving communities.
Ramin Massoumi, Global Solutions Director – Mobility, arcadis
Private companies, public agencies and academic institutions committed to influencing the future of intelligent transportation come together at ITS America. Every day, our members advance technology solutions that save lives and improve mobility across the country – in cities, suburbs, and rural communities.
Malcolm Dougherty, National Practice Executive, Transportation, Michael Baker International
At ITS America, our public, private and academic sector members are committed to deploying intelligent transportation technologies to save lives and improve mobility on our nation’s roads. While transportation constantly evolves, we will do all we can to ensure it continues to be the engine that drives our nation’s economy and contributes to improving our quality of life.
Carlos Braceras, Director, Utah Department of Transportation