According to the GSMA, the European Commission (EC) has undercuts its own 5G Action Plan with the Connected Car Legislation-- specifically through the choice of outdated 802.11p wifi technology for connected vehicles.
The EU 5G Action Plan calls for “major terrestrial transport paths [to] have uninterrupted 5G coverage by 2025.” However, the Delegated Act on Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) sticks with 802.11p, instead of encouraging the deployment of more advanced technologies, such as Cellular-V2X (C-V2X). According to the GSMA, C-V2X is a "key building block" in future 5G networks, and connected cars are one of the most important 5G use cases.
The C-ITS legislation aims to make European roads safer and smarter, but the GSMA says the choice of an ageing technology does a disservice to both European drivers and industry. C-V2X promises more security, range and quality of service than 802.11p, and is already the standard of choice in both N. America and China. The Delegated Act on C-ITS does have a review clause allowing for new technlogy, but starting with outdated technology will only lock out C-V2X from Europe for the foreseeable future.
"This piece of legislation relies on a biased view of technology and impedes innovation,” the GSMA concludes. “If the EU stays on this road, it will isolate itself further in the global 5G race and severely harm 5G investment in Europe.”
Go The EU Risks Undercutting Europe's 5G Future With its Connected Car Legislation
