Envision yourself providing input to a governmental agency. Recently, this is exactly what has happened when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sought the public’s input to help determine how to develop safety technologies that relate to transportation and communication systems. These decisions will impact connected vehicles, emergency response, and national infrastructure. Thus, public feedback is extremely valuable at this point in time.
Why is the FCC changing its rules now?
Recently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken action regarding public safety and homeland security by putting forth a notice seeking input as to how its communications standards can be revised to protect vital systems, particularly concerning transit technologies and connected vehicles.
This is the first time in agency history that the public will have an opportunity to provide input in determining if a type of technology will be included on the Commission’s “Covered List.” This is a list of equipment and services that may pose potential threats to safety or national security and has been updated by the agency without public input before this notice.
This seems strange, even a little mysterious, because the FCC rarely takes such a position. It appears as if they have a new understanding that these choices affect more than just specialists in the area and that they will require the input of numerous individuals to make good choices.
A closer look at the technology we are talking about
A major portion of this review process is related to connected vehicle technology, which refers to the systems in contemporary vehicles as well as transit networks that allow vehicles to communicate with one another and with the surrounding infrastructure, i.e., traffic lights, emergency management systems, etc.
The FCC will examine whether to include some of these types of equipment on the Covered List due to concerns over national security issues related to the source of some hardware and software, leading to federal agents facing massive, widespread backlash.
The Commerce Department made specific determinations about connected vehicle hardware or software risks. The FCC has requested input from industry on whether the FCC’s Covered List needs to be updated based on those determinations.
Keeping public transit safe with smarter technology
Another piece of the puzzle relates to transit protection technology, or tools and systems used to help keep trains, buses, and other modes of public transit safe during use. The FCC has issued a request for comment, which suggests that transit protection systems must meet higher standards in order to protect against possible dangers.
“The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” —Thomas Jefferson. This phrase exemplifies the importance of public involvement in relation to the security and reliability of these systems we rely on daily.
Through this request, the FCC is looking for new ideas on how it can set an appropriate balance between public transit safety through updated transit technology and transit innovation through new transit technology development, as FEMA updates public safety guidance for severe weather.
How can public input influence the future of connected technology?
According to the FCC, there were many initial comments; they initially gave only a brief comment opportunity and then extended that comment period. They lengthened the amount of time allotted to review the feedback to ensure that everyone had enough opportunity to provide input. This indicates that the commission understands that the questions on this issue are very broad and complex and therefore deserve input from a broader audience than only engineers and lawyers.
Citizens may submit public comments that could affect whether particular connected vehicle systems will be included in the Covered List, which could have implications for manufacturers and drivers, transit agencies, and even those creating new technology.
While the request from the FCC may look like just another feedback form, it represents a rare opportunity for the public to understand how technology and safety decisions are made in the communications industry. This action indicates that protecting communication systems is not just the responsibility of accountable parties such as regulatory bodies and the telecommunications industry, but also an issue that affects all people who use these communication systems, just as the U.S. government invests $115 million to counter drone systems.
