Network operators urged to enhanced mobile network functionality by AE Computing Consortium and GSMA
The Automotive Edge Computing Consortium (AECC) and the GSMA have joined forces to outline a vision for the mobile industry to support the digital transformation of the automotive sector. The partnership emphasises the urgent need for global adoption of enhanced network capabilities to keep pace with the future of mobility [1].
The collaboration between AECC and GSMA Fusion, a GSMA Open Gateway initiative, deepens as they work together to address the complex demands of connected and intelligent mobility systems. The document released by AECC details the network capabilities necessary to support intelligent driving, high-definition mapping, and teleoperation [2].
Key upgrades proposed by the consortium include the implementation of Connectivity Hypervisors, such as Soracom’s Connectivity Hypervisor, enabling connected vehicles to switch dynamically to the most appropriate local or use-case-specific profile based on region or application requirements. Additionally, the adoption of standards like SGP.32 for dynamic profile provisioning is advocated, ensuring compliance with permanent roaming regulations and operational efficiency [1][3][4].
The AECC also emphasises the evolution of edge network architectures and computing infrastructures, deploying edge computing resources closer to vehicles to reduce latency and handle large data volumes effectively. Network connectivity optimisation, including high-volume data and voice-enabled profiles, built-in redundancy, and fallback mechanisms, is also highlighted to ensure uninterrupted service and maintain reliability for critical vehicle functions [1][4].
These upgrades aim to provide both connectivity flexibility at the network profile level and edge infrastructure enhancements, focusing on scalable, regulatory-compliant, and operationally efficient IoT connectivity to enable smarter, safer, and more reliable connected vehicle services [1][3][4].
The AECC advocates for a topology-aware, distributed cloud system that moves computing resources closer to vehicles, reducing latency and optimising performance across multiple locations. This decentralised approach, paired with multi-operator capabilities, would enable seamless vehicle-to-cloud communication and real-time data processing-both essential for the industry's most demanding applications [5].
Dr. Muriel Desaeger of Toyota Motor Europe will speak at the Connect 5G Summit at MWC 2025, where the AECC will present its vision for the future. The consortium will also showcase four key automotive use cases at the GSMA Open Gateway demonstration area at MWC 2025 [6].
Henry Calvert, Head of Networks at GSMA, stated that despite advances in 5G, more can be done to align network services with the needs of the automotive sector [7]. The partnership aims to refine deployment priorities and implementation timelines to ensure a seamless transition towards the next generation of automotive technology.
The AECC is a cross-industry group focused on advancing connectivity solutions for connected cars, and the partnership with GSMA Fusion was formalised in October 2024 [8]. This collaboration is a pivotal moment for the industry as connected vehicles are expected to generate exponentially more data [9]. The focus now is on accelerating the adoption of these upgrades to support the digital transformation of the automotive sector and enable smarter, safer, and more reliable connected vehicle services.
[1] https://www.aecc-forum.org/sites/default/files/2025-02/AECC%20-%20GSMA%20Statement%20of%20Requirements_0.pdf [2] https://www.gsma.com/newsroom/press-release/gsma-fusion-and-automotive-edge-computing-consortium-collaborate-accelerate-5g-for-connected-cars/ [3] https://www.soracom.com/en/products/connectivity-hypervisor/ [4] https://www.etsi.org/news-events/press-releases/items/2018-01-11.html [5] https://www.aecc-forum.org/sites/default/files/2021-09/AECC%20-%20White%20Paper%20-%20Edge%20Computing%20for%20Connected%20Cars_0.pdf [6] https://www.mwcbarcelona.com/ [7] https://www.gsma.com/newsroom/press-release/gsma-5g-for-mobility-2022/ [8] https://www.aecc-forum.org/ [9] https://www.aecc-forum.org/sites/default/files/2021-09/AECC%20-%20White%20Paper%20-%20Edge%20Computing%20for%20Connected%20Cars_0.pdf
In the partnership between the Automotive Edge Computing Consortium (AECC) and GSMA Fusion, they focus on implementing advanced technology for the digital transformation of the automotive sector, specifically in data-and-cloud-computing and intelligent mobility systems. The collaboration aims to drive the adoption of upgrades such as Connectivity Hypervisors and edge network architectures to support connected vehicles, with a focus on scalable, regulatory-compliant, and operationally efficient IoT connectivity.