The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are proposing new rules that will let new users use frequencies allocated to developing car to car communications. Automakers and suppliers are saying that the broadened Wi-Fi use could potentially cause problems with accident prevention technology in vehicles, and they have sent a letter to the FCC protesting the plan.

Developers of car to car communications technology have spent over a decade and hundreds of millions of dollars developing the systems. The interaction between vehicles on the road allow automobiles to talk to each other at short distances, sharing information about other traffic and potential hazards on the road. Automakers say the systems could be installed in new cars or could be sold as an after market device at a minimal cost. The technology is already being tested in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 3,000 cars, trucks and buses as auto safety regulators watch closely. By the end of this year they hope to decide whether they should make the technology mandatory in new vehicles.

According to Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITSA), the technology is finally at a point where it can be used in a real life scenario and the widened broadband usage could cause a potential safety risk.