- Live demonstrations showed satellite-backed 5G tech powering connected cars in real traffic.
- Industry group 5GAA aims for satellite vehicle connectivity to begin rolling out by 2027.
What happened: Live trials demonstrate connected car breakthroughs
BMW and Viasat joined forces this week in Paris to showcase connected vehicle technology using satellite and terrestrial networks. Organised by the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA), the trial marked the first time real cars used satellite-backed connectivity in live urban traffic. The aim: to prove that non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) can complement existing 4G and 5G infrastructure.
The demonstrations featured emergency messaging and uninterrupted voice services, even as cars moved between coverage zones. Vehicles shifted seamlessly from cellular to satellite networks, a breakthrough that could eliminate current coverage blackspots. According to 5GAA, the switch between networks is smooth enough that drivers may not notice when their car connects via satellite.
A separate live demo showed the potential of 5G-V2X Direct technology, allowing vehicles to communicate directly without needing a base station. In one test, cars exchanged sensor data in real-time to detect a pedestrian crossing at a blind intersection. The system issued an alert, showcasing how vehicle-to-vehicle communication can enhance road safety in dense city environments.
Also read: Why is 5G needed for autonomous vehicles?
Also read: Ericsson and Vodafone bring 5G to German tunnel
Why it is important
This trial brings satellite-powered vehicle connectivity closer to everyday use. Current network gaps slow the rollout of connected car services. Satellite integration could ensure seamless coverage, even in remote or infrastructure-poor regions.
The move aligns with 5GAA’s roadmap, which forecasts initial satellite connectivity in cars by 2027. While full-scale adoption will take longer, this marks a concrete step towards mass deployment. Widespread use, however, still hinges on automakers’ upgrade cycles and market readiness. More manufacturers are now investing in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) systems, as demand grows for safer, smarter transport. The ability to detect pedestrians or hazards through direct car-to-car communication could improve road safety significantly.
Christoph Voigt, 5GAA Chairman, summed it up: “This is the future of automotive connectivity, and it’s closer than you think.” For now, satellite connectivity remains a work in progress, but these Paris trials offer a glimpse of what’s coming next.
