The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has fully certified the RIS-9360 roadside unit (RSU) from Kapsch TrafficCom, which the company said makes it the first connected-vehicle hardware to be certified under the new FCC regulation effective Feb. 11, 2025.

Cellular-vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technology enables vehicles to communicate directly with one another, infrastructure, and other road users. 

Data exchanged between vehicles and road infrastructure can help ensure safety and improve traffic flow efficiency. 

The FCC-certified hardware enables connected-vehicle use cases, including roadwork warnings, weather alerts, and alerts for congestion and emergency vehicles, among others. 

“We are excited to be the first provider to have our hardware certified under the new regulation to facilitate reliable system performance and advancements of connected mobility applications. This allows us and our distribution partners to provide state-of-the-art connected vehicle hardware and critical software, bringing this safety-relevant technology to American roads,” said JB Kendrick, president at Kapsch TrafficCom North America. 

The FCC's role in connected vehicles is to regulate technologies that enable communication among vehicles, roadside infrastructure, and other road users to enhance transportation safety and mobility. 

Key Provisions of the New FCC Regulation 

The FCC’s Report and Order outlines specific technical guidelines for the use of connected vehicle technology, including operational standards that establish radio spectrum usage and interference protection measures to ensure reliable system performance. 

This new regulation confirms that agencies are no longer required to apply for experimental licenses, although a site license is still required for each installation. 

Kapsch TrafficCom said that by formalizing the transition to connected vehicle technology, the FCC is paving the way for the next generation of intelligent transportation technologies, giving the industry, including authorities, OEMs, and infrastructure suppliers, the legal framework for the operation of the C-V2X radio technology and security for investments. 

According to the company, the new regulations will foster the development of smart infrastructure, autonomous vehicles, and other advanced transportation systems, ultimately resulting in safer roads, reduced traffic congestion, and enhanced economic productivity.

Kapsch TrafficCom said the certification of the hardware signifies a crucial milestone in the modernization of the U.S. transportation network, representing a vital step towards a more connected and automated future.