February 9, 2023 Organization of Study Group on Next-Generation ITS Communications for cooperative automated driving

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has decided to organize a study group on next-generation ITS communications for cooperative automated driving, to consider approaches to such communications.

1. Background and purpose

To realize cooperative automated driving, there are growing hopes for intelligent transportation systems (ITS) leveraging information and communications technology, particularly in the arena of communications between vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications, such as vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications. Deliberations aimed at the real-world use of V2X communications are being stepped up across the globe, primarily in the EU and the U.S. In Japan, in light of international discussions at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Frequency Reorganization Action Plan states that deliberations will be conducted regarding specific measures for using not only the existing frequency bands allocated for ITS (such as 760 MHz) for V2X communications, but also frequencies on the 5.9 GHz band. From this perspective and in light of such considerations as the status of environmental and institutional enhancements aimed at the prompt realization of cooperative automated driving in Japan, MIC has decided to organize this study group for the purpose of examining approaches to next-generation ITS communications.

2. Key matters for consideration

• 1.
  Usage scenarios achieved by means of next-generation ITS communications.
• 2.
  Measures for coordination between V2X communications and the mobile phone network (V2N communications).
• 3.
  Draft policy for spectrum allocation for V2X communications on the 5.9 GHz band and a draft roadmap for its introduction.
• 4.
  Future tasks to be addressed for introduction and other promotion measures, etc.

3. Schedule

The first meeting will be held on Thursday, February 16, 2023, with further meetings to be held thereafter. The study group is due to compile an interim report in the summer of 2023 or thereabouts.

• *
  The published materials are in Japanese only.