PR86340

DETROIT, October 29, 2020, /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/--

Leading automotive, tech and telecom companies combine efforts to accelerate

Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything roll-out and increase safety for drivers,

pedestrians, and cyclists across the United States.

The 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) hosted a virtual showcase to underline the

strong momentum around recent deployments of Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything

(C-V2X) technology in the United States. Members Audi and Applied Information

announced a new joint initial C-V2X deployment in Alpharetta, Georgia, sealed

by a memorandum of understanding.

C-V2X, which allows vehicles to "talk" with other vehicles and the

infrastructure on the roadways, is an essential enabler for a safer and more

efficient transportation system. Combining both low-latency direct

communications in the 5.9 GHz ITS spectrum band (not requiring network

coverage) and mobile network communications, C-V2X deployment is now a reality

in multiple locations across the United States. "C-V2X is the vehicle

communication technology most capable of making America's roads safer, smarter

and more efficient," said John Kwant, Global Director, Government Relations,

Mobility and Advanced Technologies, Ford Motor Company. "Its performance,

evolution, and deployment advantages are critically important to the future of

mobility and will result in numerous safety benefits for American drivers."

The wide deployment of C-V2X, and its direct evolution path towards 5G-V2X,

will support the mass-deployment of both basic advanced driving use cases in

the upcoming years, as outlined in 5GAA's Visionary 2030 Roadmap[1]. The

association's virtual showcase featured several real-world deployments of

C-V2X, that already benefit local communities in Virginia (Smart Road

Corridor), in Georgia (City of Alpharetta), in Texas (City of Arlington) and in

California (Bay Area).

A BRAND-NEW MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN AUDI AND APPLIED INFORMATION

The signature by Audi and Applied Information of a Memorandum of Understanding

for a new initial C-V2X deployment in Alpharetta, Georgia underlined the

acceleration of C-V2X on-going deployments across the U.S., pending a decision

by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on the NPRM for the

modernization of the 5.9 GHz band, including allocation of spectrum to C-V2X.

"We are pleased to be working with Audi and Temple to help bring this advance

in vulnerable road user safety to the community," said Bryan Mulligan,

president of Applied Information and executive director of the iATL. "Using

connected vehicle technology to improve safety in school zones and at the bus

stop are prime examples of the benefits that can be derived for the public

through partnership and collaboration."

"Audi is looking forward to working with Applied Information and the city of

Alpharetta to use technology to make roadways safer for some of its most

vulnerable users – school children," said Pom Malhotra, director, Connected

Services, Audi of America. "As a leader in connected-vehicle technologies, it

makes all the sense in the world to leverage our resources to benefit our

communities all over the U.S. and beyond."

About 5GAA

The 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) is a global, cross-industry organisation

of over 135 members comprised of leading global automakers, Tier-1 suppliers,

mobile operators, semiconductor companies and test equipment vendors. It works

together to develop end-to-end solutions for future mobility and transport

services. 5GAA is committed to helping define and develop the next generation

of connected mobility, automated vehicle and intelligent transport solutions

based on C-V2X.

Learn more on 5gaa.org and follow the association on Twitter

[https://twitter.com/5gaa_official ] and LinkedIn

[https://www.linkedin.com/company/5gaa/ ].

- Picture is available at AP Images (http://www.apimages.com ) -

Media Contacts

Margaux Demeyer

Tel: +32 (0)2 588 24 30

Email: margaux.demeyer@5gaa.org

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE SHOWCASED DEPLOYMENTS

SMART ROAD CORRIDOR, VIRGINIA

C-V2X communication technology is now deployed on Virginia roadways, thanks to

the combined efforts of 5GAA members Audi of America, Qualcomm, American Tower

Corporation and Commsignia in partnership with the Virginia Department of

Transportation and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.

The deployment of C-V2X on the Virginia Smart Road Corridor allows a new

generation of vehicles capable of communicating not just through cellular

towers but also directly with roadside infrastructure and vulnerable road

users. The C-V2X implementation in Virginia aims at improving traffic signal

information but also work zones and roadside worker safety, where accidents

result in more than 700 fatal crashes and 45,000 people injured each year. This

initial deployment sets the stage for potential broad deployment across the U.S.

"We are proud of the work we've done with Audi of America, VDOT, American Tower

Corporation, VTTI and Commsignia to not only showcase momentum and value of

C-V2X to communities and stakeholders, but to also innovate on deployments such

as these to continue opening paths to widespread adoption," said Jim Misener,

senior director, product management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. "The Virginia

deployment is a significant milestone, serving as a successful proof point

showing public and private organizations working together to apply C-V2X to

achieve transformative safety and mobility benefit."

ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA

Initiated in 2019, C-V2X deployment in Alpharetta entails a variety of

applications including Emergency Vehicle Pre-Emption, Get-Ready-For Green and

Red-Light Warning, while Traffic Light Priority for Cyclists is being developed

for deployment. Powered by Applied Information's TravelSafely app, it will for

instance alert red-light runners about to commit an intersection violation,

which are responsible for 28% of US fatal accidents.

There are already more than 125 intersections equipped with C-V2X as a result

from the collaboration between Applied Information, the City of Alpharetta as

well as the North Fulton Community Improvement District (CID). "Our investment

in connected vehicle technology is providing immediate, life-saving benefits to

the community," said Kerry Armstrong, Chairman of the North Fulton Community

Improvement District. "As a result of the deployment, our paramedics and

firefighters have seen an 18% reduction in response times and improved safety

while responding to a call."

ARLINGTON, TEXAS

A new C-V2X deployment is under way in Arlington, with 31 contiguous

intersections equipped along one of the city's major thoroughfares. Arlington,

in partnership with Applied Information, strives to create a smoother and safer

commute along Cooper Street as part of the city's ongoing efforts to enhance

regional mobility and put technology to work. "As our city continues to grow

and prosper, we realize the value of investing in smart infrastructure and

technology to help our residents and visitors travel to their destinations more

safely and as efficiently as possible," Public Works and Transportation

Director Keith Brooks said.

Automated traffic signal performance measure devices along these intersections

are collecting and analyzing signal and safety information in real-time.

Drivers can receive the information directly through Applied Information's

Get-Ready-For Green and Red-Light Warning applications as well as the Railroad

Crossing Alert in the TravelSafely app. Through the app, drivers along Cooper

Street can be notified that traffic has slowed or stopped due to a train

approaching level crossings. As more than 2,000 train-vehicle collisions

occurring across the country each year, half of which result in serious

injuries or casualties, this new C-V2X use case offers great prospect to

improve safety around these risk areas.

BAY AREA, CALIFORNIA

Following successful tests in Michigan's MCity since 2019, Verizon is now

deploying 5G-V2X mobile network communications, including Mobile Edge Computing

(MEC), in several cities including Boston, the Bay Area, Atlanta, Washington

D.C. and New York. The live 5G networks and MEC capacity, with throughput at

least 10 times faster than 4G, can support the next generation of V2X use cases

such as Teleoperations and Data Orchestration that require ultra-low latencies.

A panel discussion was also held during the event — including representatives

from Ford Motor Company, Audi of America, Texas DOT, Atlanta DOT and Contra

Costa Transportation Authority, and led by 5GAA Board Member Qualcomm's Jim Misener.

[1] 5GAA visionary roadmap for the introduction of advanced use cases for

connected and automated driving

SOURCE: 5GAA - 5G Automotive Association e.V.