Global Automakers, Telecommunications, and Chipset Companies Launch 5G Connected Car Standardization
Research on Standardization of 5G-based Intelligent Transportation Systems and Autonomous Driving

SK Telecom announced that it has become the first domestic company to join the '5G Automotive Association (5GAA)', established by global telecommunications and automotive companies to research 5G technologies and services to be applied to future vehicles.

The '5GAA', established in September of this year, started with three German automakers—BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi—and eight global companies in the telecommunications, network equipment, and chipset sectors. With this announcement, SK Telecom, Deutsche Telekom, and Valeo (automotive parts supplier) have joined as additional participants.

In particular, the '5GAA' is an organization formed by leading global companies in each field with the goal of developing pilot models and commercialization for research on connected cars and autonomous vehicles, drawing considerable industry attention regarding its future direction.

▲Source: Volkswagen Homepage

The 5GAA plans to establish various Working Groups within the association to pursue ▲development of 5G-based vehicle solutions ▲innovation and design of vehicle system architecture ▲solution performance evaluation and interoperability testing ▲standardization and certification ▲business and commercialization strategy establishment.

SK Telecom expects that through joining the '5GAA', it will achieve synergies among global telecommunications, automotive, and network equipment companies, and establish a model for leading standardization of connected cars and autonomous vehicles in the 5G era.

At a time when research on connected cars and autonomous driving is accelerating worldwide, the inclusion of a domestic telecommunications company in the '5GAA', which targets development of 5G-based solutions, is considered to be of significant meaning.

When the 5G era opens, large-capacity data can be transmitted at speeds of 20Gbps per second without delay. This enables stable and seamless communication with various objects, allowing for diverse connected car solutions such as 'Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication' for safe driving.

Choi Jin-sung, Head of SK Telecom's Comprehensive Technology Institute, stated, "5G will provide the automotive industry with diverse innovative value such as enhanced autonomous driving, safe vehicle control management, and vehicle infotainment," adding, "5GAA will play a major role in creating new business possibilities and opportunities for both the telecommunications and automotive industries."

Dino Flore, Secretary General (Director General) of 5GAA, expressed his pleasure, stating, "We are very pleased that SK Telecom is participating in 5GAA," and expressed expectations, saying, "SK Telecom's telecommunications know-how and capabilities will greatly contribute to the development of future connected car solutions."