Strategies for acquiring radio frequencies for intelligent vehicle highway systems (IVHS)

Although the systems architecture for intelligent vehicle highway systems (IVHS) is still being developed, it is certain that tetherless radio frequency (RF) communications will play a major role in the program. The portion of the RF spectrum suitable for mobile systems is very congested. New demands for use of these mobile bands are expected as promising technologies and services mature for commercial deployment. The authors describe strategies to identify suitable frequencies, to muster needed support from various communities, and to take appropriate actions for obtaining a spectrum for IVHS. In addition to the acquisition of frequencies for exclusive, nationwide use by IVHS, the authors evaluate existing and planned communications media that may be suitable for capacity sharing to yield still further communications capacity for some IVHS functions