Orange, Ericsson and the company behind Citroen and Peugeot has launched a 5G technology pilot project aimed at vehicle to vehicle (v2v) and vehicle to everything (v2x) communications.
In a statement, the companies said they wanted to see how LTE and 5G could address the likes of intelligent transport systems, improve road safety and provide new services.
Initially the pilot will build end to end architecture based on LTE, before it shifts to 5G technology once standardised.
The first priority for the project is exploring how images can be shared between connected vehicles so drivers can “see” the road ahead and also be notified that an emergency vehicle is approaching. Further tests will be carried out throughout this year.
Ericsson has provided a radio and distributed virtualised core network to enable network slicing and intelligent messaging. Orange is providing the cellular network at the field trial site and onboard connectivity.
Meanwhile, PSA Group is responsible for the embedded architecture integration, user experience testing and technical validations.
Mari-Noëlle Jégo-Laveissière, Executive Vice President, Innovation, Marketing and Technologies, Orange, said: “Vehicle manufacturers expect us to provide the connectivity they need for remote maintenance management, for example, or to keep on-board systems software permanently up-to-date.”
Carla Gohin, Research, Innovation and Advanced Technologies VP, PSA Group, added: “Connected IoT services are a crucial way to enhance the user experience for our customers, who today demand unprecedented levels of comfort and convenience as well as personalised services in their vehicles.”