The 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) has called on the European Commission (EC) to allow stakeholders to work collaboratively toward an agreement on the next-generation cellular technology, while warning against a ‘premature and cumbersome legislative decision’.
Since its launch a year ago, over 50 industry leaders from the automotive, technology and telecommunications industries have teamed up in 5GAA to accelerate cellular–vehicle-to-vehicle/infrastructure (C-V2X) technology development and its evolution to 5G-V2X for enhanced safety, automated driving and connected mobility.
The association is encouraging the automotive, technology, and telecommunications industries and the EC to be ambitious when evaluating technologies for connected, autonomous vehicles (CAVs), with 5GAA confident that cellular communication technology has the most benefits when applied to the widespread introduction of connected, self-driving cars. 5GAA has provided its views to the Commission in a workshop and a letter with recommendations.
“We are confident that cellular technology, including direct vehicle-to-vehicle communication at 5.9GHz, has the potential to lead to the best outcomes in the long run,” explained Christoph Voigt (right), chairman of 5GAA.
“We are strongly relying on the European institutional support to put in place a regulatory framework allowing for an industry-driven and swift deployment of this technology.
“It is crucial to consider how the 5.9GHz band, the ‘life blood’ of wireless vehicle communication, can be used efficiently in the context of 5G technology evolution, road safety and economic scalability. The automotive and transportation sectors, both public and private, are making significant investment commitments.”
Voigt continued, “Therefore, we are urging the European Commission to allow the ITS-G5 and C-V2X stakeholders to work together toward an agreement on the future of connected and automated cars, without a premature and cumbersome legislative decision. We should aim high enough when selecting the solutions to make connected, self-driving vehicles a reality. These are a catalyst to improving the quality of life globally through safer traffic, improved mobility, cleaner air in cities, and a better experience overall for drivers.”
Dino Flore, director general of 5GAA, added, “Saving lives through improved road safety is obviously the primary positive outcome of deploying communication technology solutions. In addition, we should take into account other aspects when evaluating alternatives. We’re not only talking about reducing congestion and pollution, but also optimizing the driving experience. It is our view that cellular technology, including direct vehicle-to-vehicle communication at 5.9GHz, has the most upward potential in the long run.”
