ITU World Radiocommunication Conference approves spectrum for automotive radar

Anti-collision mechanism to improve road safety

Geneva, 17 November 2015 – Radio-frequency spectrum needed for the operation of short-range high-resolution automotive radar has been allocated in the 79 GHz frequency band. This decision was reached at the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15) currently meeting in Geneva from 2 to 27 November. The allocation of the 79 GHz frequency band provides a globally harmonized regulatory framework for automotive radar to prevent collisions, which will improve vehicular safety and reduce traffic accidents.

The allocation of the frequency band for automotive radar responds to the call by the United Nations General Assembly, which observes the third Sunday in November of each year as a “ World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims ”, which occurred on Sunday, 15 November. The allocation of spectrum by ITU will now facilitate the development of one of the most significant technologies in support of this global need.

“The decision to harmonize the 79 GHz frequency band for automotive radar will allow the automotive industry to deploy anti-collision radar devices globally,” said ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao. “This will contribute a great deal towards the UN goal to improve road safety worldwide and prevent traffic-related fatalities.”

ITU is a partner with WHO on the UN’s Road Safety Collaboration . According to UN data, more than 1.25 million fatalities occur each year on the roads around the world.

The decision at WRC-15 culminates extensive studies on the spectrum requirement as well as sharing with incumbent radiocommunication services in the same frequency band. A workshop on 79 GHz radar, as well as presentations at the annual symposium on the “ The Future Networked Car ”, held annually in conjunction with the Geneva Auto Show, demonstrated the advances in this technology. The next “Future Networked Car” is scheduled to take place on 3 March 2016.