The nationwide launch of the freeway e-Tag system may be delayed until next month amid concern that its frequencies could clash with those of planned fourth-generation (4G) telecoms networks, the National Freeway Bureau said yesterday.
The e-Tag system utilizes radio-frequency identification technology, allowing the bureau to charge motorists by the number of kilometers they travel on freeways. The bureau had completed trial operations of the system in Keelung City and had planned to expand its use to motorists nationwide by the end of this month.
The National Communications Commission, the authority issuing licenses for the use of radio frequencies, has yet to approve the application on the grounds that the frequencies reserved for the two systems lack adequate buffers and could interfere with one another.
Bureau director-general Tseng Dar-jen (曾大仁) said there was no research to show whether there would be interference because the nation has yet to offer 4G services. The bureau may consider conducting the experiments overseas if a similar scenario occurs, he said.
“If interference occurs, we estimate that it would only affect the areas near toll-collection gantries, not the entire freeway system,” Tseng said.
He said the bureau has prepared several plans to deal with interference, adding that it could install gantries on locations where 4G signals are strongest.
“We may also assist telecoms carriers in building base stations for wireless communications,” Tseng said. “They can build base stations on our gantries.”
If the interference continues, Tseng said the bureau could consider using a low-power freeway toll-collecting system.
The e-Tag system is provided by Far Eastern Toll-Collection (FETC, 遠通電收). Based on the contract, FETC must raise the usage rate of the freeway electronic toll-collection system to 60 percent by June, or it will face a penalty of NT$500,000 per day.
“We will complete all the necessary administrative procedures as fast as we can,” Tseng said.
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