Press release, 10 February 2026
In a compelling showcase of where automotive connectivity is headed, the 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) recently brought its vision of connected mobility to life on the roads of Sacramento, California, unveiling a suite of advanced technologies that promise to redefine how vehicles communicate, navigate, and interact with the world around them. The live demonstrations spanned next-generation Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) tolling systems, non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity using satellites, and real-time safety and awareness applications, underscoring how tomorrow’s roads could be safer, smarter, and more efficient.
At the heart of the event was a focus on interoperable connected mobility solutions, powered by cellular C-V2X communications and integrated into real-world traffic environments. Using technologies developed by automakers, telecom operators, and tech suppliers, the demonstrations highlighted how vehicles and roadside infrastructure can seamlessly exchange data to streamline tolling, alert drivers to road hazards, and enhance situational awareness for all road users. In one setup, a 5G-enabled tolling system showed how cars could automatically interact with toll infrastructure using high-speed, low-latency links, reducing stoppages and improving traffic flow — a glimpse into how congested highway experiences could be transformed.
A particularly futuristic element was the showcase of non-terrestrial network (NTN) capabilities. This technology enables vehicles to connect with satellites and maintain communications even outside traditional 4G/5G coverage areas. In live demos, partners including BMW, HARMAN, Qualcomm and Viasat demonstrated satellite-enabled bi-directional voice calls and communications over narrowband IoT networks, illustrating that future connected cars might stay linked for critical services even in remote regions where terrestrial networks are sparse. This versatility enhances reliability for emergency messaging and broadens connectivity horizons for autonomous and connected vehicles alike.
Beyond connectivity and tolling, safety took centre stage with demonstrations of C-V2X-based safety and awareness solutions. AI-enabled roadside sensors and Direct C-V2X communications were showcased alerting drivers to road hazards in real-time, including traffic signal changes and potential collisions ahead. Such capabilities, delivered through collaborative efforts with companies like Miovision, Qualcomm and HARMAN, illustrated how connected technology could help reduce accidents and protect vulnerable road users by extending the machine’s “visibility” beyond the driver’s line of sight.
The Sacramento demonstrations were part of 5GAA’s broader efforts to accelerate the deployment of connected mobility solutions across the U.S. and internationally, aligning with a wider vision of cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) technologies that support safer, more efficient roads. By bringing together industry leaders across automotive, telecommunications, and technology platforms, 5GAA is advancing interoperable solutions that could one day be standard features in next-generation vehicles.
These live tests also reflected concrete industry momentum toward the real-world adoption of technologies that were once conceptual. From adaptive tolling systems that could reduce congestion to satellite connectivity that ensures uninterrupted service, and intelligent safety systems that enhance situational awareness, the demos offered a rich picture of what driving experiences could look like in the coming decade — a future where cars, infrastructure and networks work in harmony to create safer, more responsive roads for everyone.
