Verizon has announced a partnership with Volkswagen’s Audi AG to deploy a 5G network at the German carmaker’s private test track in Neustadt, Germany. The collaboration aims to facilitate the testing of smart vehicle technology, including autonomous mobility, vehicle-to-cloud communications, and C-V2X systems, which enable vehicles to connect with surrounding objects such as other vehicles and digital traffic lights.
The test track will feature replicas of Verizon’s 5G networks utilizing equipment from Nokia, computing software from Amazon Web Services, and real-time video and data transfer tools from Smart Mobile Labs, according to a statement released by Verizon. Car manufacturers worldwide are forging partnerships with telecom and technology firms to integrate more software and data into their vehicles for communication, entertainment, and safety functions.
TJ Fox, Senior Vice President of Industrial Internet of Things and Automotive at Verizon Business, emphasized that future vehicles will incorporate extensive technology designed to operate effectively under diverse network conditions. He also highlighted the safety applications to be tested, suggesting that enhanced data availability and communication infrastructure on roads will enable manufacturers to enhance vehicle safety by integrating real-time information.
Fox further noted that the project will streamline testing procedures and reduce associated time and costs, providing Audi with a competitive edge. Petr Kozak, Head of Development for Infotainment, Connectivity, Data Management, and Artificial Intelligence at Audi, expressed confidence that the initiative would offer significant advantages by enhancing the carmaker’s development capabilities.
