The future of mobility relies on technological development in search of improved road safety. Creating a network that permits connectivity between cars, roads, and emergency services will allow near real-time monitoring of the road network and faster response in case of accidents or incidents.
However, these plans seem to only extend to high-capacity roads that are already in the network, leaving more secondary roads out of our interconnected infrastructure. In order to reach that 54% of our roads that are left out of reach by conventional connectivity mechanisms, Satellite 5G technology appears to be the perfect solution.
Unlike 4G, the implementation of this technology will provide full coverage even in remote or high mountain areas where secondary roads pass through. The system used to achieve this total coverage will be with low Earth orbit nanosatellite constellations under the 5G IoT (Internet of Things) standard. In this regard, Sateliot will deploy 64 satellites over the next year and a half to offer coverage to connected cars anywhere in the world.
One of the car systems that will benefit from this type of global coverage is the eCall system, which is installed in vehicles sold since 2018. Satellite connectivity will allow the car to be geolocated at any time and place, enabling faster and more effective emergency services. It is estimated that around 51 million vehicles are equipped with the eCall system worldwide, and the implementation of this system has saved over 11,000 lives and prevented over 260,000 accidents per year
There are also several future applications of 5G technology in connected cars. Vehicles will communicate with the road infrastructure, such as traffic lights or similar safety elements, maintaining a constant flow of shared information.
Moreover, 5G technology will also be used to improve the management of electric vehicle charging points, thus enhancing electric mobility. Similarly, this connectivity will help gather the relevant information to act in case of car theft or mechanical issues.
Last but not least, another application of connected cars will be in the leisure and entertainment sector, as drivers and their passengers will be able to access reviews from other drivers about recommended rest areas, restaurants, natural sites, etc., along their route.
This is an exciting future and is coming into reality very soon, all thanks to Standard Satellite connectivity.
