By The global movement toward smarter, safer roads is accelerating, and the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) is leading the charge. In a recent series of live demonstrations, 5GAA and its partners showcased how cutting-edge technologies—such as satellite-based Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication—are transforming connected vehicles from futuristic concepts into life-saving tools on today’s roads.
Connected Cars That Communicate Beyond Cell Towers
At the heart of the showcase was the integration of NTN connectivity, using satellite communication to send and receive vital emergency messages in areas with limited or no cellular coverage. In emergencies that happen off the beaten path—far from mobile towers—these systems can provide a crucial lifeline for both passengers and responders.
Importantly, this innovation doesn’t operate in isolation. The demonstrations proved that vehicles could seamlessly switch between satellite and terrestrial networks, maintaining calls or emergency signals without the driver even noticing the transition. It’s a significant step toward uninterrupted vehicle communication, no matter where the road leads.
From Space to Street: Real-Time Hazard Detection
While NTN took care of the skies, 5G-V2X Direct was firmly grounded, undergoing real-world testing in urban traffic. This technology allows cars to exchange data with each other, alerting drivers to potential dangers such as pedestrians at blind corners or cyclists hidden from view. In one striking test, sensor data shared between two cars helped one vehicle warn the other of a person stepping into the road—a scenario where human reaction alone might fall short.
Developed in accordance with the 3GPP Release 16 standard, 5G-V2X Direct brings an added layer of awareness to the driving experience, extending a vehicle’s perception beyond what cameras or radar can detect on their own.
Collaboration Across the Automotive Ecosystem
This pioneering work was made possible through collaboration between leading car manufacturers like BMW and Stellantis, and tech innovators including Qualcomm, Viasat, LG, and HARMAN. Their joint efforts aimed not only to test the technologies but to prove their readiness for integration into mass-market vehicles.
Kevin Cohen of Viasat emphasized the real-world value: satellite-connected cars could offer consistent voice and data connectivity, send automated crash alerts, and support emergency calls from remote areas. Meanwhile, commercial partners demonstrated advanced interoperability, with various systems working together to enable smoother, safer transport.
A Glimpse Into the Future of Mobility
Looking ahead, the 5GAA predicts that the first wave of satellite-connected cars will be on the road by 2027, utilizing capabilities standardized in 3GPP Release 17. Meanwhile, the rollout of vehicle-to-network (V2N) communications—where cars link with cloud-based traffic systems and infrastructure—continues to expand. These platforms enhance collective awareness, turning everyday objects like traffic signals into data-rich safety nodes.
Another standout in the showcase was Emergency Electronic Brake Light (EEBL) alerts, demonstrated by HARMAN and u-blox. These systems send instant warnings to following vehicles when a sudden stop occurs ahead, helping prevent chain-reaction collisions. With Euro NCAP’s 2026 safety regulations on the horizon, such features are poised to become standard.
Testing the Limits with Precision
Behind the scenes, companies like Anritsu and Rohde & Schwarz provided the essential measurement tools needed to verify performance and ensure deployment success. Their contributions ensured that every signal, switch, and alert met the strictest standards for reliability and accuracy.
Conclusion: Building Safer Roads Today
The recent 5GAA demonstrations underscore that the future of transportation is no longer theoretical. Satellite and V2X technologies are maturing rapidly, and their application in real-world driving environments is setting the stage for safer, smarter mobility.
From rural rescue scenarios to dense city intersections, these innovations promise to redefine automotive connectivity—giving vehicles the intelligence to react faster, see farther, and communicate better than ever before.