ITU approves spectrum for automotive radar

Radiofrequency spectrum needed for the operation of short-range, high-resolution automotive radar has been allocated to the 79 GHz frequency band.

The decision was reached at the ITU World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15), currently meeting in Geneva from 2 to 27 November.

The allocation of the 79 GHz band provides a globally harmonised 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’.

The allocation of spectrum by ITU will facilitate the development of one of the most significant technologies in support of this global need.

“The decision to harmonise the 79 GHz frequency band for automotive radar will allow the automotive industry to deploy anticollision 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 is the culmination of extensive studies on the spectrum requirement.