I’m not a fan of the driver-less car concept. What’s the fun of a driver-less car unless the car itself is not fun to drive to begin with. What’s not so fun is a brewing fight over the best uses for unlicensed spectrum as driver-less car producers bump heads with communications providers. In this article from The Washington Post, there is a discussion about a proposal from Transportation secretary Anthony Foxx that would require all new cars be equipped with car-to-car communications devices. These devices would operate within 75 Mhz of the 5,9 Ghz band. Groups, like the National Cable and Telecommunications Association, argue that spectrum is running out and unlicensed spectrum needs to be made available to fill the gap.
Unlicensed spectrum has been touted as a space for technology and communications innovation. It’s the area in the electromagnetic spectrum where certain wireless devices play including WiFi hot spots, medical equipment, wireless headsets, remote car door openers, wireless keyboards, and cordless phones. With cognitive radio technology, unlicensed spectrum’s vulnerability to interference can be addressed making unlicensed spectrum an emerging alternative for carrying communications.
The only long-term benefit I see from driver-less cars is that flowing to companies like Zip Car. Uber drivers should be scared shitless because why get in a car with a driver with a criminal record when all you have to do is call up a driver-less car from Google. And while the State makes an argument that driver-less cars can reduce the number of non-alcohol related accidents by 80%, shouldn’t drivers (and the insurance companies that issue policies) be prepared to take on the costs of accidents?
I would rather see every available piece of spectrum provided to households that pursue a self-sustainable path. For example, using unlicensed spectrum for their internal needs like monitoring electricity usage or connecting their homes to their rooftop solar panels or wind turbines. Or using unlicensed spectrum to connect with neighbors and public safety.
The Obama administration’s nanny-state approach to the use of unlicensed spectrum by going to bat for initiatives like driver-less cars is a waste of a valuable resource.
