According to Airspan Networks, it is expected that in the coming months, AutoAir will deliver "pervasive" 4G and 5G connectivity at Millbrook Proving Ground despite having dense network of base stations around the test tracks. This will provide gbps real-time connectivity and enable accurate location and connectivity trials on site for the first time.
Peter Stoker, chief engineer, connected and autonomous vehicles at Millbrook said, "The start of this network deployment sends a fantastic message to developers and innovators in the transport and automotive industries. The technology that will enable them to accelerate their programs is being made available now."
"We are proud to be at the forefront of these developments; 5G, together with our advanced capabilities as part of the CAV testbed, will make a real difference in expediting thorough and, above all, safe testing and validation."
It's noteworthy that representatives from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, which is part-funding the project, were present during the first, crucial step in the deployment.
"I am thrilled to see such good progress being made on the AutoAir 5G testbed. This fantastic project highlights the opportunities that 5G connectivity on our roads offers, including the potential to support connected and autonomous vehicles," added Margot James, Minister for digital and creative industries.
"We want the UK to be a world leader in 5G and our Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review, sets out how we will deliver this."
When opting for a testing location, safety and security should be a priority. Millbrook, therefore, provides a safe and secure environment for controlled to semi-controlled testing of ADAS and autonomous experiments and a natural, real-world, extension to its customers' software engineering processes. In order to offer further facilities, a digital model of its proving ground is also being designed specially to vehicle manufacturers and CAV developers.
First step accomplished. The design of the AutoAir project is now ready and attention is now being turned to the physical deployment and implementation of testbeds at Millbrook and the University of Surrey.
"Breaking ground at Millbrook was very exciting, and we can't wait to test the hyper-dense 5G network we are building with connected and autonomous vehicles," commented Paul Senior, chief strategy officer, Airspan Networks and CEO of Dense Air.