The allocation of the 79 GHz frequency band establishes a globally harmonized regulatory framework for motor vehicle radar systems to prevent collisions, thereby improving vehicle safety and reducing the number of road traffic accidents.
This allocation of the frequency band for motor vehicle radar systems responds to the call of the United Nations General Assembly, which observes the "World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims" on the third Sunday of November each year. This year, that day fell on Sunday, November 15. The ITU's spectrum allocation will now facilitate the development of one of the most important technologies to address this global need.
"The decision to harmonize the 79 GHz frequency band for motor vehicle radar systems will help the automotive industry install collision avoidance systems worldwide," said Houlin Zhao, ITU Secretary-General. "This will make a significant contribution to the United Nations' goal of improving road safety globally and preventing deaths from road traffic accidents."
The ITU is partnered with the WHO in the United Nations Collaborative Group on Road Safety. According to UN data, more than 1.25 million people die on the world's roads each year.
The WRC-15 decision is the culmination of extensive studies on spectrum requirements and sharing with radiocommunication services operating in the same frequency band. A workshop on 79 GHz radar, as well as presentations at the annual "Connected Car of the Future" symposium, held in conjunction with the Geneva International Motor Show, have demonstrated the progress of this technology. The next "Connected Car of the Future" symposium is scheduled for March 3, 2016.
