The UK, 29 July 2021: The recently merged telecoms operator is exploring mobile technology that will flip the switch to satellite connectivity in the event of loss of a 5G connection. At the end of 2021, O2 launched the UK’s first commercial 5G satellite lab, the objective being to explore the complementary nature of the technologies for the development of autonomous vehicles. The Darwin SatCom Lab’s task was to convert two vehicles into connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs) and while operating them remotely.
Satellite and 5G connectivity have been successfully tested and both appear to be progressing with fantastic results. This has resulted in a deal being struck between Aviva and Darwin Innovation Group. The Lab is to test a Level 4 autonomous shuttle with no remote human operator. Aviva’s main interest is data as well as preparing and working towards combating future potential challenges that could present themselves when autonomous vehicles hit the public roads.
Developments in the worldwide 5G arena is omnipresent which is imperative for connected vehicles, where a drop in connectivity can have a cataclysmic impact. Naturally, the satellite is the perfect solution. It plays a massive part in having a wider range and being able to work in areas where mobile coverage is limited or most often unattainable, like remote and rural areas.
“We are very excited to trial these technologies in a very challenging environment. We have been supporting Darwin R&D with the European Space Agency to bring this technology to market and we are very confident that it will provide UK companies with a technological advantage to reshape the way in which they create value,” said Sergio Budkin, Director of Market Development at VMO2. The move comes as part of VMO2’s wider collaboration with Amazon Web Services, HISPASAT, the UK Space Agency (UKSA), the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Darwin Innovation Group.
By: Jacqueline Freer-van Zyl
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