Transportation

The intersection of Telecommunications and Transportation.

FCC Adopts 'C-V2X' Auto Safety Spectrum Rules

The Federal Communications Commission has adopted final rules for cellular-vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology. These rules will improve transportation safety and permit more efficient mobility as this advanced communications technology is integrated into vehicles and infrastructure.

Generative AI is coming to your car

The same technology that puts artificial intelligence chatbots on your phone and computer is coming to the car. Having a powerful voice assistant at a time when you can't afford to take your eyes off the road could be enormously beneficial. Qualcomm announced it is bringing its next-generation Oryon processor to its in-car computer systems for both entertainment and automated driving. Generative AI in the car will ideally let drivers get help with everything from finding the nearest cheap gas to pointing out landmarks to understanding a dashboard warning light.

AM Radio’s Day Has Passed

The Federal Communications Commission concluded in 2009 that AM radio was dying: Listeners under 35 were “almost non-existent.” Responding to lagging consumer interest, vehicle manufacturers began leaving AM tuners out of cars—especially in electric vehicles, where the tuners are subject to electromagnetic interference. So why, weeks ago, did the House Commerce Committee overwhelmingly pass a measure requiring manufacturers to include AM radios in all new vehicles?

United Airlines Taps Elon Musk’s Starlink for In-Flight Wi-Fi

Elon Musk may soon provide the Wi-Fi on your United flight. United Airlines said that it will outfit its entire fleet with Musk’s Starlink internet service, aiming to keep fliers loyal by offering zippier, more reliable browsing and downloads that the carrier expects will mirror what travelers are used to on the ground. United’s deal is a bet that Starlink’s technology can propel it above rival carriers in offering 

Internet providers cross railway lines, while courts determine new law’s validity

A Virginia law streamlining broadband deployment across railroads is in courthouse limbo. The law is in effect, however, and the electric cooperatives it was meant for are using it. Virginia’s electric co-ops have completed work at about 37 crossings since the law went into effect on July 1, 2023, according to the Virginia, Maryland and Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives. The legislation reduced the approval process time and lowered costs to internet service providers needing to cross railroads.

FCC to Vote on Auto Safety Spectrum Rules

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel announced that the Commission will vote on final rules that will improve transportation safety and mobility by integrating advanced communications technologies into vehicles and infrastructure.

When Counting Broadband Users, Remember Connected Vehicles

Broadband infrastructure may be the latest public utility connecting homes and businesses, but it’s also foundational to the emergence of “smart roads” and autonomous vehicles (AVs). Much of the discussion around broadband expansion has been focused, appropriately, on connecting large swaths of the nation with no Internet or less-than-stellar infrastructure.

Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence One-Year Anniversary

On May 15, Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel spoke about the National Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. She spoke about some of the actions the FCC has taken to help and protect survivors of domestic abuse, including requiring phone carriers to "swiftly and securely separate phone lines of survivors from family plans." The Chairwoman also spoke about action the FCC is taking to prevent internet connected cars from being used by abusers to stalk and harass survivors. "I don’t think that answer is good enough.

Cars & Consumer Data: On Unlawful Collection & Use

Some say the car a person drives can say a lot about them. As cars get “connected,” this turns out to be truer than many people might have realized. While connectivity can let drivers do things like play their favorite internet radio stations or unlock their car with an app, connected cars can also collect a lot of data about people.

Sens Wyden, Markey Reveal Automakers Provide Detailed Location Information to Law Enforcement Without a Warrant, Rarely Notify Car Owners; Request FTC Investigate Broken Promises to Protect Drivers’ Privacy

We write to request that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigate several automobile manufacturers — Toyota, Nissan, Subaru, Volkswagen, BMW, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, and Kia — for deceiving their customers by falsely claiming to require a warrant or court order before turning over customer location data to government agencies. Recent investigations by our offices confirmed that only some of the car companies are honoring this commitment.