Verizon Business is partnering with German car manufacturer Audi AG to build a private wireless network and tech-testing environment at Audi’s automotive test track in Neustadt, Germany.
The project aims to test smart vehicle technology.
According to Verizon, the multi-core wireless network is designed to duplicate network conditions in key markets around the world, with custom-built replicas of Verizon’s US public network, local European networks, and the roaming network of Audi’s MVNO partner in Asia-Pacific.
Verizon noted that it will test several applications including voice, video, safety, autonomous mobility, vehicle-to-cloud communication, OEM-customer interactions, and cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) features.
The telco adds that the tests aim to generate more information about vehicle safety.
The test track will be equipped with dual 5G and LTE services from Nokia, plus private MEC infrastructure from Amazon Web Services (AWS).
Smart Mobile Labs will also support connectivity through real-time video and data transmission technology, allowing for stream management and distribution, full HD streaming, push-to-talk, push-to-video, and stream recording.
“This is about much more than equipping a work site with a private network. This is about bringing network conditions from around the world to one test facility, allowing Audi to exceed the already lofty demands of the mobility market looking years into the future,” said TJ Fox, SVP of IoT and Automotive, Verizon Business.
“Increasingly, vehicles are not just about transportation, but a means of communication, entertainment, education, and work - effectively, rolling cell phones and high-powered computers."
Audi's head of development infotainment, connectivity, data management, and Artificial Intelligence, Petr Kozak, said the tests will save the company time and money during its testing cycle.
Back in 2022, Verizon and Audi of America announced plans to bring 5G to select models in 2024.
In a statement at the time, Verizon noted that the partnership would implement embedded 5G Ultra Wideband connectivity into Audi vehicles.
The carrier said that this would enable the necessary speed and telecommunication architecture for "highly personalized and augmented mobile services," plus new driver-assistance features, and connectivity-enabled innovations for the automated future of driving.
