FCC Approves Next Generation Transportation Technologies.The Federal Communications Commission Federal Communications Commission (FCC), independent executive agency of the U.S. government established in 1934 to regulate interstate and foreign communications in the public interest. (FCC (1) (Federal Communications Commission, Washington, DC, www.fcc.gov) The U.S. government agency that regulates interstate and international communications including wire, cable, radio, TV and satellite. The FCC was created under the U.S. ) recently granted initial regulatory approval for a new generation of high-tech transportation technologies that could fundamentally alter America's transportation landscape. The FCC rulemaking, which gives the transportation industry preliminary approval to begin using cutting-edge communications systems In telecommunication, a communications system is a collection of individual communications networks, transmission systems, relay stations, tributary stations, and data terminal equipment (DTE) usually capable of interconnection and interoperation to form an integrated whole. , furthers a national initiative to incorporate technology and advanced electronics into the nation's surface transportation infrastructure. These new communications technologies Noun 1. communications technology - the activity of designing and constructing and maintaining communication systems engineering, technology - the practical application of science to commerce or industry are expected to fundamentally improve transportation safety, decrease traffic congestion The condition of a network when there is not enough bandwidth to support the current traffic load. congestion - When the offered load of a data communication path exceeds the capacity. , facilitate the reduction of air pollution, conserve vital fossil fuels fossil fuel: see energy, sources of; fuel. fossil fuel Any of a class of materials of biologic origin occurring within the Earth's crust that can be used as a source of energy. Fossil fuels include coal, petroleum, and natural gas. and improve product shipping and travel-related retail services. Under the FCC's new rules, passenger, commercial and emergency vehicles can be equipped with ground-breaking, automated communications technology to promote safe and efficient travel. The new communications technologies, referred to by regulators as Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) or more specifically Dedicated Short Range Communications “DSRC” redirects here. For other uses, see DSRC (disambiguation). Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) is a short to medium range wireless protocol specifically designed for automotive use. It offers communication between the vehicle and roadside equipment. Services (DSRCS), are anticipated to significantly improve transportation safety and efficiency. For example, drivers, will benefit from "real-time" warnings of approaching and nearby vehicles as well as advanced notice of dangerous road and weather conditions, construction activities and the approach of trains to highway rail crossings. These "smart" technologies will help to prevent accidents by creating an automated vehicle-to-vehicle, and vehicle-to-road, bridge or tunnel "dialogue," which can help drivers anticipate and steer clear of problems before they occur. On the retail front, drivers stopping for gas at a rest area or lunch at a drive-through may no longer need to use cash or a credit card because the transaction will be completed seamlessly by DSRCS technology which processes the transaction automatically. Likewise, drive-through retailers will enjoy faster moving lines, instant identification of highly-valued repeat customers and even improved inventory management. Warehouse professionals and motor carriers will also benefit from the FCC's decision. DSRCS technologies will simplify deliveries as trucks instantly recognize a vendor or warehouse's current inventory needs and automatically transmit transactional information such as delivery date, quantity and other critical sales data. In addition, the technology will allow automated, instantaneous vehicle inspections by law enforcement and border personnel and will give dispatchers instantaneous data showing precise truck locations, speed and intended destination, all of which should contribute to more efficient deliveries. State and municipal transit authorities will benefit from sophisticated, "real-time" data showing precise train and bus locations, speed and intended destination as well as up-to-the-minute consumer demand for transit services and warnings of dangerous conditions. Such information might enable automated train operations which optimize system performance by resolving multiple train conflicts and diverting passengers away from areas affected by system problems or public safety threats. The FCC's recent rulemaking, however, is only the first step in developing the federal regulations which will determine how these technologies may be used in everyday commerce. Much work still needs to be done to fully implement these superior technologies including additional FCC rulemaking proceedings. Regulators hope the FCC's initial DSRCS regulations will foster the implementation of an efficient, standardized transportation communications network The transmission channels interconnecting all client and server stations as well as all supporting hardware and software. , but in order for the system to succeed, the final regulatory framework has to make economic, technical, and operational sense. Involvement by industry is critical to ensuring that the FCC's final regulatory framework creates incentives for investment. A sound regulatory environment could provide an enormous opportunity for all businesses in the chain of commerce, so interested parties should be actively involved as the FCC addresses the remaining regulatory issues surrounding these technologies. Holland & Knight's telecommunications practice has a long history of helping companies navigate and influence the regulatory process in order to capture emerging technology's economic benefits. We would be pleased to help you understand the FCC's future plans in this area. The content of this article does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on in that way. Specific advice should be sought about your specific circumstances. Mr George Wheeler Captain George Montague Wheeler (born Grafton, Massachusetts, October 9, 1842) was a pioneering explorer and cartographer, leader of the Wheeler Survey, one of the major surveys of the western United States in the late nineteenth century. III Holland & Knight LLP LLP - Lower Layer Protocol 2099 Pennsylvania Avenue Pennsylvania Avenue is a street in Washington, D.C. joining the White House and the United States Capitol. 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