According to the most recent available information of planned and operational V2X deployments from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), there are 97 deployments ofV2X communications utilizing the 5.9 GHz band, 18,877 vehicles with aftermarket V2X communications devices, and 8,098 infrastructure V2X devices installed at the roadside.2 Furthermore, all seven channels in the 5.9 GHz band are actively utilized in these deployments. V2X deployments are already supporting platforms related to warnings against red-light violations, reduced speed and work zone areas, and location-specific weather impacts. Moreover, the Signal Phase and Timing Challenge, a program created out of a partnership between the Federal government and industry stakeholders, is pushing States to develop at least one connected corridor or intersection network in each State by 2020. So, while the FCC may be concerned with the slow pace of development and deployment, it makes little sense to upend the progress being made and send a signal to the private sector that this band may not be available in the future. In 2015, Congress affirmed its commitment to seeing more widespread deployment of intelligent transportation systems through the creation of an Advanced Transportation Technologies Deployment program and expanded eligibility of these systems for federal investment. As Ranking Members, we have made the adoption of technology in our transportation system a key priority and expect to take further steps in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization to encourage greater use of ITS tlrroughout our system. Taking away this dedicated spectrum would be counter to our national transportation policy goals, as affirmed by the DOT and the Congress with the passage of the FAST Act (P.L. 114-94) in 2015. States and localities across the Nation are using the 5.9 GHz band for traffic safety today. On June 3, 2019, various State Departments of Transportation, representatives from the auto industry, and other users gathered at DOT's public conference titled, "Traffic Safety and the 5.9 GHz Band" to describe technologies for traffic safety and congestion mitigation. Utilization of this spectrum as intended advances safety, system efficiency, and greater mobility for the movement of freight and passengers. Additionally, on December 4, 2019, a broad coalition of transportation safety stakeholders have signed a letter highlighting the need to keep the 5.9 GHz band for transportation uses. Beyond the DSRC-based deployments, private sector companies are currently researching and testing Cellular-V2X (C-V2X) technology that also would utilize the 5.9 GHz spectrum. This next generation of cellular co1mnunications will allow for enhanced V2X services, particularly for vehicle platooning, advanced dliving, extended sensors, and remote driving. We are pleased to see DOT affirm its commitment working to preserve the ability for transportation safety applications to function in the 5.9 GHz spectrum while also remaining technology-neutral tlrrough its Preparing for the Future of Transportation: Automated Vehicle 3.0 (AV 3.0) released on October 4, 2018. In AV 3.0, DOT notes that it is "continuing its work to preserve the ability for transportation safety applications to function in the 5.9 GHz spectrum while exploring methods for sharing the spectrum with other users in a manner that maintains priority use for vehicle safety communications." 2 https://www.transportation.gov/research-and-technology/operational-connected-vehicle-deployments-us Page 2 of3 For these reasons, we ask that the FCC reject a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that reallocates spectrum within the 5.9 GHz band for unlicensed uses, such as Wi-Fi. Maintaining the 5.9GHz band for vehicle safety communications will make our transportation networks safer and more efficient and should not be compromised. Thank you for your consideration and attention to this matter, and we look forward to working with you to continue promoting the safety of our transportation system. Sincerely, Sam Graves Ranking Member cc: The Honorable Elaine Chao, Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation Page 3 of3