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5G A2A: Building a Cross-Border 5G Corridor for Connected Mobility

The development of autonomous and connected mobility solutions requires robust and uninterrupted connectivity, especially across borders. The "5G Autobahn to Autoroute" (5G A2A) project aims to establish one of Europe’s first cross-border 5G highway corridors, linking Metz in France to Saarbrücken in Germany. This 60-kilometre route will support advanced vehicular applications and ensure seamless connectivity across national boundaries.

Infrastructure Deployment and Coverage

The project, scheduled to commence construction in early 2025 and reach completion by the end of 2027, will see the deployment of state-of-the-art 5G infrastructure along the corridor. The coverage will include:

  • France: A 55 km section along the A4 and A320 motorways, where TOTEM and Orange will install nine new masts and upgrade up to eight existing sites to provide dedicated 5G coverage on the 3.5 GHz frequency.
  • Germany: A 5 km section along the A6 motorway, where Vantage Towers and O2 Telefónica will deploy up to five radio masts, using a distributed antenna system (DAS) on the 3.6 GHz frequency.

By integrating this infrastructure into the ATLANTIC trans-European transport network, the project will enable uninterrupted 5G connectivity across the entire route, benefiting both passenger and commercial vehicles.

Enabling Connected and Autonomous Mobility

The deployment of high-performance 5G networks along this corridor will support a range of advanced mobility applications, including:

  • Cooperative lane changing: Vehicles will be able to communicate with each other and road infrastructure to coordinate lane changes more efficiently.
  • Collision anticipation and prevention: Real-time data exchange between vehicles and roadside sensors will enhance safety by predicting potential hazards.
  • Automatic traffic jam alerts: Connected vehicles will receive early warnings of congestion, enabling smoother traffic flow.
  • Testing of (partially) autonomous vehicles: The corridor will provide an ideal testbed for self-driving vehicles under real-world cross-border conditions.

Sustainability and Long-Term Commitment

Designed for a minimum operational period of ten years, the project represents a long-term commitment to enhancing cross-border digital connectivity. The initiative is backed by the European Union under the "Connecting Europe Facility Digital" programme and is supported by the Grand Est Region in France.

The infrastructure will also incorporate sustainable energy solutions where possible. Vantage Towers, for example, is piloting on-site renewable energy generation through solar panels, micro wind turbines, and hydrogen solutions. These efforts align with broader industry goals to drive sustainable digitalisation and reduce the environmental impact of telecommunications infrastructure.

Conclusion

The 5G A2A project marks a significant step forward in developing next-generation mobility solutions for Europe. By enabling seamless 5G connectivity across borders, the initiative will facilitate real-time data exchange, improve road safety, and support future autonomous driving technologies. With its combination of cutting-edge telecommunications infrastructure and commitment to sustainability, this project sets a new benchmark for digital transformation in the transport sector.

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