Low frequencies de-licenced for radar-based features in cars

The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology has issued a notification stating that the government has de-licenced use of devices or wireless microphones in the frequency bands of 36-38 MHz, 433-434.79 MHz, 302-351 kHz and 76-77 GHz. The step will allow carmakers to use them to offer systems such as adaptive cruise control, collision prevention assist and lane change assist among others, which will in turn help prevent accidents and make vehicles safer.

Maruti Suzuki can now start testing its Autonomous Emergency Braking System, which it plans to offer on the new Baleno. The hatchback, which was showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show is expected to be exported to European countries and Japan from India. The system will help the vehicle score a better rating in European NCAP tests.

Manufacturers like Ford, Hyundai, Nissan and Volkswagen export a large share of the cars produced in India. If they are able to test and offer radar-based technologies on their vehicles, exports to developed countries, where safety norms are more stringent, could receive a boost.

So far, automobile manufacturers have been unable to offer radar-based technologies on their cars in India due to the restrictions on low frequency bands. Some manufacturers even had to spend on de-activating some of systems.

Source: ET Auto