By The 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) recently unveiled a series of live demonstrations that highlight how next-generation connectivity can dramatically enhance road safety. By blending non-terrestrial networks (NTN) with advanced Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology, the trials showcased how vehicles can stay connected and responsive in even the most remote or challenging environments.
In the event, satellite-based communication played a key role. These spaceborne connections enable vehicles to send and receive critical information, like emergency messages, even when out of range of traditional cellular networks. Whether it’s a breakdown on a remote road or a crash far from help, satellites can step in where mobile towers can’t.
Back on the ground, the demonstrations focused on the capabilities of 5G-V2X Direct. This technology allows vehicles to directly communicate with each other, sharing data in real time. In one scenario, a car detected a pedestrian approaching a hidden junction and transmitted that warning to another vehicle nearby. This kind of early alert could prevent countless accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists.
Christoph Voigt, chair of the 5GAA, pointed out that this is no longer theoretical. These tests featured real vehicles in actual traffic conditions, using both satellite and ground-based networks to stay connected. The aim is simple but powerful: create a seamless and reliable communication system that supports drivers and enhances safety.
Automakers like BMW and Stellantis teamed up with connectivity specialists, including Viasat and Qualcomm, to prove that these technologies are not only viable but already maturing. One of the most impressive feats was vehicles switching between satellite and mobile networks during calls or data transmissions, ensuring continuous communication without driver intervention.
Viasat’s Kevin Cohen emphasized the practical benefits of satellite-enabled cars, such as automatic location alerts after accidents and uninterrupted calls in remote areas. This kind of resilience can be critical for both individual drivers and fleet operators looking to monitor vehicles across wide geographies.
Supporting all of this were advanced measurement tools provided by companies like Anritsu and Rohde & Schwarz. These tools validated system performance in real-world conditions, offering the hard data needed to build trust in the technology.
Beyond emergency response, the 5G-V2X Direct capabilities demonstrated by Valeo and Marben added a new dimension to automotive awareness. By sharing sensor data, cars can effectively “see” beyond their own line of sight—spotting road users hidden behind obstacles and reacting preemptively.
This collaborative awareness extends further with V2N (Vehicle-to-Network) technologies. Here, data from vehicles, roadside infrastructure, and traffic management systems are all connected, offering a collective view of the road. This could make urban navigation smarter and safer, especially in congested or complex intersections.
Another innovation came from HARMAN and u-blox, who showcased Emergency Electronic Brake Light (EEBL) alerts. These provide rapid warnings when a vehicle up ahead suddenly slows down, helping to prevent rear-end collisions. By integrating highly accurate positioning data, these alerts avoid false triggers and increase driver confidence.
The roadmap for these technologies is already in motion. According to 5GAA, early adoption of satellite-enabled features could appear in vehicles by 2027, while broader V2X deployment is expected to roll out between 2026 and 2029. With standards already forming and cross-industry partnerships taking shape, connected vehicles are steadily moving from concept to reality.
The 5GAA’s latest initiatives underline a clear commitment: to build a future where vehicles don’t just drive—they communicate, anticipate, and protect. Through innovations in connectivity, these systems are set to redefine road safety for everyone.