OTS - 5GAA: cellular technology is key enabler for smart mobility of the future (part 1)
2017. September 15. 13:14
Frankfurt, 15 September, 2017 (APA/OTS) - Industry association
calls on European Commission to allow stakeholders to work
collaboratively towards an agreement on the technology catalyzing
the mobility of the future and warns against a "premature and
cumbersome legislative decision"
The 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) encourages the automotive,
technology, and telecommunications industries and the European
Commission to be ambitious when evaluating technologies for
connected, autonomous vehicles. 5GAA is confident that cellular
communication technology (C-V2X) has the most benefits when applied
to connected, self-driving cars. It has provided its views to the
Commission in a workshop and a letter with recommendations. Since
its launch one year ago, over 50 industry leaders from the
automotive, technology and telecommunications industries have
teamed up in 5GAA to accelerate C-V2X technology development and
its evolution to 5G-V2X for enhanced safety, automated driving and
connected mobility.
Christoph Voigt, Chairman of 5GAA said, "5GAA is confident that
cellular technology (including direct vehicle-to-vehicle
communication at 5.9 GHz) has the potential to lead to the best
outcomes in the long run. 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 5.9 GHz 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. Therefore, we are urging the European Commission to
allow the ITS-G5 and C-V2X stakeholders to work together towards an
agreement on the future of connected and automated cars, without a
premature and cumbersome legislative decision."
5GAA has recently provided its views to the Commission in a
workshop and a letter with recommendations.
Christoph Voigt: "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 adds, "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 5.9 GHz, has the most upward potential in the long
run."
Helping vehicles "understand the environment they are
navigating"
Launched in September 2016 by 8 founding members the 5GAA has
in less than a year grown to include over 50 leaders from the
automotive, technology and telecom industries who collaborate
cross-industry on the future of transport. 5GAA's mission is to
develop, test, and promote communications solutions, initiate their
standardization and accelerate their commercial availability and
global market penetration. The objective is to address society's
connected mobility and road safety needs with applications such as
autonomous driving, ubiquitous access to services and integration
into smart city and intelligent transportation.
Connected vehicles use communication technology to not only
communicate with other vehicles but also with road infrastructure,
other road users such as pedestrians, and the Internet - e.g. to
provide traffic updates and parking guidance. Use cases include
collision warnings, "traffic jam ahead" warnings, green light
optimal speed advisory, parking guidance, and assisting drivers in
tackling treacherous traffic situations (e.g. turning left at a
crossroads). Connected vehicles will eventually reduce pollution,
and make traffic more efficient, reducing congestion in cities and
improving the flow of goods and people.
Christoph Voigt explains, "Equipping cars with sensors and
cameras is one thing, but imagine what is possible when cars use
cellular technology to communicate with their entire ecosystem:
other vehicles, road users, infrastructure, and central services
that give real-time information."
"It's the difference between a car that is capable of seeing
what is happening in its immediate surroundings and one that can
use all available information to allow for a safer and more
comfortable driving experience. After all, as drivers we do more
than purely react to what's in front of us. We listen to traffic
info, we are aware of the area we're navigating, and we are alert
to traffic jams in rush hour. We use context to guide our driving."
"This is exactly what cellular connectivity can enable vehicles
to make easier, or even take over from us in the case of
self-driving vehicles. Except that it will be faster and more
accurate," concludes Christoph Voigt.
-Ends-
(continues)