Connectivity News
SearchVehicle communication hardware, networks, standards or data links enabling connected services.

Telia plans 5G expansion and shared radio network in Norway
Telia is expanding commercial 5G standalone capabilities and plans to operate a joint radio network with Ice in Norway, while retaining separate core networks. The operation is expected to start in 2027, with network build-out continuing through 2030.

Boldyn prioritises US growth in neutral-host network strategy
Boldyn is directing $1.2bn of financing towards US growth, while positioning its fibre, sites and power as shared infrastructure for wireless networks. The analysis highlights owner-funded deployments in venues and airports and private 5G activity in the US and Europe.


Telcos weigh AI growth bets as physical-network demands evolve
Telcos are improving earnings through commercial growth and cost controls while pursuing AI infrastructure opportunities. T-Mobile is exploring edge AI for delivery-robot fleet supervision and traffic cameras, while Verizon expects its AI infrastructure deals to contribute from 2027.


Comodule analysis finds limited always-on connectivity among two-wheelers
A review of 80 motorcycle and moped brands found that about one in five makes always-on connectivity standard, with adoption concentrated among electric models. The analysis also highlights growing factory-connected offerings and demand for aftermarket tracking.


Grote plans trailer camera using existing seven-way connector
Grote demonstrated a rear-view camera that sends video from multiple cameras over the existing J560 seven-way connector, with capacity for other trailer data and future two-way communication. Production is planned for the fourth quarter of 2026.


Trackem reports intermittent connectivity affecting GPS tracking devices
Trackem says some GPS tracking devices are offline or temporarily not reporting locations amid suspected external network or internet disruptions. Some have reconnected; the company has no confirmed restoration timeline and is monitoring the issue.


Device interoperability remains a hurdle for satellite-terrestrial connectivity
Industry experts say NTN connectivity still faces challenges in device interoperability, service handover and roaming between satellite providers. While 3GPP standards provide a foundation, operators and manufacturers must address policy-driven network selection, testing and spectrum sharing.


Regulators await WRC-27 framework for direct-to-device satellite services
Regulators in Spain, the UK and the US outlined differing approaches to direct-to-device satellite services using terrestrial spectrum. A permanent international framework is expected from WRC-27, while regulators rely on national rules and coordination in the interim.


MacDonnell Regional Council adds satellite-connected fleet telematics
MacDonnell Regional Council has deployed Teletrac Navman’s satellite-connected telematics across its remote fleet of about 340 vehicles and assets. The platform supports staff safety and tracking beyond mobile coverage, while helping the council manage utilisation, asset security and maintenance.


Ericsson backs AI RAN on custom ASICs while keeping GPUs as a future option
Ericsson says AI-native link adaptation on its custom ASICs has delivered 10% spectrum-efficiency gains across more than 60,000 base stations. The company sees AI RAN as a current revenue opportunity but says it has not ruled out using GPUs in future.


Satellite-to-mobile services grow, but commercial economics remain uncertain
A telecom industry forum examined the growth of direct-to-device satellite services and the gap between coverage ambitions and viable returns. Speakers highlighted 5G NTN standards, operator partnerships, regulatory alignment and the need for continuous coverage, with broader potential for mobility and other sectors.


Hannk and Zubie partner on connected-vehicle and telematics technology
Hannk and Zubie will explore connected-vehicle and telematics solutions for rental, transport and mobility operators, including fleet visibility, digital rental and automated vehicle management. Further details on developments and integrations are expected as the partnership progresses.


5GAA and CAR 2 CAR sign MoU on connected-mobility collaboration
5GAA and the CAR 2 CAR Communication Consortium have signed an MoU to collaborate on interoperable, secure and scalable communications for connected mobility, supporting the move from C-ITS standards towards real-world deployment.


CCC tests Digital Key Version 4 at 20th plugfest
The Car Connectivity Consortium’s 20th plugfest, hosted by Google in San Jose, is testing Version 4 digital key capabilities for fleet, rental and service-based vehicle access, alongside cross-version, Bluetooth LE and entry-system interoperability.


5GAA paper examines connectivity and V2X for highly automated vehicles
5GAA’s position paper examines how network and direct V2X communications could support automated-vehicle fleet operations, access to trusted external information and interoperability. It outlines future connectivity needs and calls for collaboration across automotive, telecoms and policymaking.


Connected-vehicle security becomes a fleet-management concern
A Four Corners programme and BYD Australia’s review of alleged unauthorised remote access have renewed attention on connected-vehicle security. The article urges fleet operators to include cybersecurity, privacy and data handling in procurement and risk reviews.


5GAA and IOWN Global Forum agree to collaborate on connected mobility
5GAA and the IOWN Global Forum signed a letter of intent to collaborate on next-generation communications for connected mobility, including mobile edge computing use cases, performance requirements and automotive architecture mapping.


Connected-vehicle rules raise market-access and compliance stakes for automakers
The US Connected Vehicle Rule restricts certain China- and Russia-linked vehicle software and hardware, while European rules focus on cybersecurity, data governance and type approval. The article examines how regulation is prompting automakers to reassess regional strategies, platforms and supply chains.


Kyocera validates multi-hop 5G mmWave repeater network in San Diego
Kyocera validated a three-hop mmWave repeater network on Qualcomm’s San Diego campus. The repeaters autonomously selected relay paths and extended 5G coverage into areas obstructed by buildings and vegetation, demonstrating a way to expand coverage without adding base stations.


Trackunit and DEWALT partner to track tools across construction sites
Trackunit and DEWALT will integrate DEWALT Tool Connect with Trackunit’s Bluetooth network, enabling contractors to locate tools through connected equipment already on site. The partnership launches worldwide, with deeper data capabilities planned as the platform expands.


Kigen automotive eSIM gains GSMA eSA certification
Kigen says its automotive eSIM is the first certified to GSMA’s SGP.32 v1.3 specification. Developed with Infineon’s automotive security controller, it supports connected-vehicle connectivity and is planned for OEM sampling from October 2026, including for Chinese automakers.


Onsemi and Valens collaborate on cost-optimised A-PHY camera solution
Valens and Onsemi are collaborating on a cost-optimised A-PHY solution integrated with Onsemi image sensors for high-volume 3MP automotive cameras, targeting a simpler route for OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to deploy connected camera systems.


FCC proposes modernising US rules for ultra-wideband technology
The FCC has proposed updating its ultra-wideband rules, which the Car Connectivity Consortium says would support automotive digital key deployments by bringing regulation in line with current technology. The consortium plans to take part in the rulemaking.


Trackunit launches battery-powered tracker for unpowered equipment
Trackunit has launched the Spot S300, a wireless LTE tracker for unpowered construction and rental equipment. It provides location and utilisation data through Trackunit Manager and IrisX, with orders opening on 1 October and first shipments due in November 2026.


5GAA report assesses 3GPP-based satellite connectivity for vehicles
A 5GAA report says satellite connectivity can support automotive safety and coverage-extension services, while bandwidth-intensive applications will need wideband or broadband systems. Member demonstrations validated several services but highlighted latency, GNSS reliance and GEO-system limitations.


Gannet Guard Systems marks 30 years of vehicle tracking in Poland
Gannet Guard Systems has expanded from radio-based stolen-vehicle recovery to combined radio, GPS and GSM tracking and fleet telematics. The Polish company is developing its smaller GGS2000 tracker, with Bluetooth support for additional sensors.


Kigen certifies automotive eSIM supporting SGP.32 v1.3
Kigen has secured GSMA eUICC Security Assurance certification for an automotive eSIM supporting SGP.32 v1.3. Built with Infineon’s TEGRION SLI22 security controller, it is designed to support remote profile management and long vehicle lifecycles; samples are expected from October.


CCC Digital Key standard featured in BMW and Kia models in Mexico
The Car Connectivity Consortium’s Digital Key specification uses technologies including NFC, Bluetooth Low Energy and Ultra Wideband to let compatible smartphones function as vehicle keys. BMW offers it across several models in Mexico, and Kia includes Digital Key 2.0 in the EV3 there.


Connected vehicle base set to exceed one billion by 2035
Omdia forecasts the global connected-vehicle installed base will rise from 473.7 million in 2025 to 1.05 billion by 2035. It warns planned LTE shutdowns from 2030 could disrupt OTA updates, EV routing, ADAS and other connectivity-dependent services.


AddSecure launches plug-and-play connectivity router for security installers
AddSecure has launched a pre-configured router solution combining managed mobile connectivity, centralised monitoring and remote management. It is designed to simplify secure deployments for security installers and support multi-site applications including CCTV, access control and EV charging infrastructure.


Euclidic completes 650-vehicle telematics upgrade for SRG Global
Euclidic migrated about 650 SRG Global vehicles from 3G plug-in telematics devices to 4G hardwired equipment across Australia. The provider coordinated installations around remote locations, customer-site access and vehicle availability to minimise operational disruption.


Samsung and Verizon complete AI-powered 5G ISAC trial
Samsung and Verizon completed an AI-powered integrated sensing and communications trial over commercial 5G infrastructure in Dallas. The vRAN-based system generated crowd-density heatmaps from radio signals without dedicated cameras, lidar or sensing hardware, demonstrating a potential foundation for 6G capabilities.


CCC advances standardised digital-key connectivity after 15 years
The Car Connectivity Consortium says companies are testing Digital Key Version 4, which expands key sharing and supports fleet and shared-vehicle access. New task groups will develop connectivity use cases for rental, rideshare and commercial fleets.


Toyota demonstrates voice messaging over Iridium satellite connectivity
Iridium, Deutsche Telekom IoT and Toyota have demonstrated standards-based NB-IoT voice messaging from a vehicle via Iridium’s global satellite network. A roaming agreement is complete, with commercial availability for Deutsche Telekom IoT customers planned for the fourth quarter of 2026.


Nokia launches AI and edge-computing platform for mission-critical operations
Nokia has launched Cognitive Operations and the ruggedised Cognitive Edge Node, combining AI, multi-access connectivity and GPU-accelerated edge computing for mining initially, with public-safety and defence versions planned.


CCC appoints Bahar Sadeghi as senior director of technical strategy
The Car Connectivity Consortium has appointed Bahar Sadeghi as senior director of technical strategy and advisory. She will guide technical and certification work as CCC expands its connected-vehicle standards activity into fleet management and micromobility.


AT&T adds Amazon Leo satellite connectivity to its enterprise offering
AT&T will distribute Amazon Leo satellite broadband alongside fibre and 5G for US enterprise customers, targeting remote sites, field operations and resilience. The article also reports EU operators exploring shared D2D spectrum and US proposals to expand satellite communications access.


AMG Systems launches compact industrial Ethernet switch for transport infrastructure
AMG Systems has launched the AMG577 Series, integrating a managed Ethernet switch, PoE and a 350W power supply in a compact 1U enclosure for space-constrained roadside, transport and critical-infrastructure networks.


CCC Plugfest in China advances digital-key interoperability testing
The Car Connectivity Consortium’s Plugfest #19, hosted by Geely in Ningbo, brings automotive and technology members together to test Digital Key versions 3 and 4. Testing covers Bluetooth LE, NFC, passive entry and China-specific cross-platform key-sharing scenarios.


Polestar cuts 2026 sales outlook as US connected-vehicle ban bites
Polestar has lowered its 2026 sales-growth guidance after US Connected Vehicle Rule restrictions blocked future model-year sales. The EV maker also reported lower first-half revenue and unveiled its Formula 2030 concept car as it seeks to strengthen sales and reach profitability.


Deutsche Telekom and Ericsson deploy private 5G at Hamburg port
Deutsche Telekom and Ericsson have deployed a private 5G campus network at HHLA’s Container Terminal Altenwerder in Hamburg. The government-backed PROCON-5G project connects vehicles, sensors and IT systems, supporting port automation and real-time logistics operations.


Automakers urge US Congress to ban Chinese connected vehicles
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation is urging US lawmakers to permanently prohibit the sale, import and manufacture of Chinese connected vehicles, hardware and software, citing national security concerns and competitive risks.


VodafoneThree launches UK 5G standalone network slicing services
VodafoneThree has launched tiered 5G standalone network-slicing services in the UK for consumers and enterprises. The portfolio includes dedicated national business capacity and a planned 2027 critical-services slice, with guaranteed speeds and prioritised connectivity.


Michelin Connected Fleet and Doran integrate predictive tyre monitoring
Michelin Connected Fleet and Doran are integrating Doran’s commercial-vehicle tyre pressure and temperature monitoring hardware with Michelin’s Smart Predictive Tire solution, making the combined offering available through Platform Science’s Virtual Vehicle Marketplace.


ZF showcases software-defined commercial-vehicle technology
ZF will showcase software-defined commercial-vehicle technologies at IAA Transportation 2026, including secure over-the-air updates, diagnostics, condition monitoring and its Truck Trailer Link for real-time truck-trailer data exchange.


AGL GSoC projects target AI cameras, Bluetooth and LiDAR perception
Automotive Grade Linux’s 2026 Google Summer of Code projects include an AI-enabled multi-camera backup system, a modern BlueZ Bluetooth integration and ROS2-based simulated LiDAR perception using CARLA and embedded hardware.


YouTaxi launches digital rural car-sharing pilot using Invers technology
Tobit Laboratories has launched YouTaxi, a staff-free community car-sharing pilot in Ahaus, Germany. The service uses Invers CloudBoxx, Driving Analysis and chaynsOS for digital vehicle access, rental automation, fleet operations and driving-behaviour monitoring.


Motive and Highway Restore ELD Data Access After Integration Dispute
Motive and Highway have agreed to restore authorised access to Motive customers’ ELD data, ending a disruption that reduced refresh frequency for Highway. Commercial terms remain unresolved, while the companies discuss updating their agreement and improving data fidelity and latency.

