Vodafone Group to join 5G Automotive Association

Vodafone Group has become the first telecommunications operator to join the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA), a new global cross-industry association of companies from telecommunications and automotive industries.

Vodafone has already started testing cellular vehicle to everything connectivity (C-V2X, which includes LTE-V2X) and will continue that work as part of the 5GAA. Vodafone is recognised as the world leader in Internet of Things connectivity and provides more connected car services, for more vehicle models, from more manufacturers, in more countries than any other company.
Vodafone has become a Platinum member of the 5GAA and Luke Ibbetson, Vodafone’s Group Head of Research & Development and Technology Strategy, will join the Board of the Association.
The 5GAA was established on 27 September 2016 and its founding members are AUDI AG, BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ericsson, Huawei, Intel, Nokia and Qualcomm Incorporated.
The Association will progress the development of connected and automated driving and the creation of intelligent transport systems.
5GAA activities will be organized along five working groups developing various aspects of the end-to-end ecosystem: use cases and technical requirements; system architecture and solution development; business models and go-to-market strategies; evaluation testbeds and pilots; and standards, policy, certification and regulatory aspects.
Luke Ibbetson, said: “The communication between vehicles, infrastructure, and pedestrians using C-V2X will be fundamental to the creation of intelligent transport systems. The technology that the 5GAA develops can lead to major improvements in driving and road safety.”
Dino Flore, Director General of the 5GAA, added: “Vodafone’s industry leadership and cellular network operator’s perspective is an important addition to the 5GAA, and it will significantly contribute to the successful development of the connected mobility ecosystem.”