On 16 October, the GUIDE project, supported by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA), the Directorate-General for Communications, Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT), and the EU-funded project 5GMEC4EU, brought together in a workshop key stakeholders from across Europe to review progress on 5G corridor deployments in road and rail sectors, and to shape the future strategic deployment agendas (SDA) necessary for achieving Europe’s green and digital transformation goals.
Building on the success of the previous edition held in October 2023, this year’s workshop focused on fostering public-private cooperation and sharing the latest advancements in 5G-enabled Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM). The 2023 workshop laid the foundation by reviewing the two 5G Strategic Deployment Agendas published in 2020, which were designed to guide 5G corridor deployment efforts. The aim of both workshops was to accelerate the development of 5G infrastructure along transport paths, contributing significantly to EU efforts in reducing CO₂ emissions, optimising traffic management, and improving transport safety.
Strategic Deployment Agenda and Progress Updates
The 2024 workshop provided a comprehensive update on the deployment roadmaps initiated in the previous edition. Moderated by Coen Bresser, Senior Manager at ERTICO, the session on 5G Strategic Deployment Agendas featured key insights from sector leaders. Laura Sanz from the GUIDE project and representatives from both road and rail sectors reflected on the state of play and examined how these strategic agendas are driving advancements in CAM, enabling improved transport services and industrial competitiveness.
The discussions highlighted that 5G-enabled CAM is crucial for optimising services not just for road and rail, but also for waterways and logistics, providing a comprehensive approach to the transformation of transport infrastructure. By engaging participants in a dynamic exchange of ideas, the workshop reinforced the need for clear deployment priorities and the development of cooperative models to overcome deployment challenges. “5G SA deployment alongside railways for ERTMS is benefiting roads as well. This panel proved that cooperation within and between the eco-systems provides valuable opportunities”, say Coen Bresser.
Achievements, Best Practices, and Emerging Trends
As in the previous year, this edition of the workshop focused on sharing best practices from ongoing projects and newly emerging insights. David Kennedy from the GUIDE project highlighted key best practices, while Pierre-Yves Danet presented summary statistics from a survey of stakeholders involved in 5G corridor projects. These presentations underscored the continued progress made in deploying 5G corridors across Europe, demonstrating the tangible benefits of collaboration between public and private stakeholders.
One of the key objectives of both the 2023 and 2024 workshops has been to support EU-funded project pipeline building, encouraging the participation of various industry players and public authorities in future waves of deployment. The workshops have served as a platform for matchmaking and the exchange of innovative solutions, ensuring that new players can enter the field and contribute to the broader goal of a connected, automated, and sustainable European transport network.
A significant addition to the 2024 workshop was the inclusion of a session dedicated to the 5GMEC4EU project, which introduced the latest innovations in Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) technology. Dimitri Jungblut the coordinator of the 5GMEC4EU project and Johannes Springer from 5GAA shared insights into how MEC will enhance the performance and scalability of 5G applications in Europe’s transport corridors. A panel discussion, moderated by Stefan Schnitter from Detecon, explored the opportunities and challenges presented by MEC, particularly in optimising service delivery and connectivity for the future of mobility.
Looking ahead, the GUIDE project and its partners will continue working to refine the strategies and partnerships necessary to push 5G deployment forward. The outcomes of the 2024 workshop will shape the roadmap for future deployments and further strengthen collaboration across Europe’s transport and technology sectors.
