5G, LTE, and MEC-Edge Transportation Integration: A Collaboration between Verizon and Qualcomm for V2X Technologies in Automotive Applications
In the rapidly evolving world of autonomous and connected vehicles, two industry giants, Verizon Business and Qualcomm, are making significant strides in integrating 5G-enabled Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technologies.
Qualcomm, a pioneer in V2X technology since 2017, has made substantial progress by embedding V2X capabilities into commercial vehicles. This development paves the way for systems such as automatic braking, intersection alerts, and real-time communication between vehicles and infrastructure. The focus is on 5G and Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) technologies, enhancing connected vehicle capabilities and safety features.
Verizon Business, in collaboration with Qualcomm, is capitalising on this advancement by embedding these V2X technologies in future vehicles, targeting commercial applications that require ultra-low latency and high reliability for safety-critical functions like cooperative adaptive cruise control.
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis, an automotive-grade package integrating a 5G modem, high-performance CPU, and GPU, consolidates hardware components and supports advanced software functions that can be updated post-sale. This alignment with evolving subscription-based revenue models in the auto industry is a significant step forward.
The industry is transitioning rapidly from 4G/LTE to 5G/C-V2X architectures, a shift that is expected to grow at a 17.96% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) through 2030. This transition will further marginalize older network technologies outside of fallback use, supporting more sophisticated vehicle automation and cross-border autonomous freight initiatives, especially in regions investing heavily in 5G infrastructure like China and Europe.
Looking ahead, the integration of V2X technology is expected to become ubiquitous in next-generation vehicles. Qualcomm's acquisition of companies like Autotalks enhances its position in automated driving and V2X deployment. Upcoming events such as Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Auto Day, scheduled for July 2025, will emphasise innovations around connected, software-defined vehicles, AI-driven immersive cockpit experiences, and enhanced road safety through V2X communication.
Partnerships like Verizon and Qualcomm’s are likely to accelerate adoption in commercial vehicles, combining Verizon’s robust cellular networks with Qualcomm’s advanced chipsets to enable real-time, low-latency V2X communications critical for autonomous and semi-autonomous driving functionalities. As 5G Smart Road Corridors and extensive base station deployments progress, particularly in China and Europe, these infrastructure developments will further reduce latency and increase the reliability of V2X communications, enabling broader deployment of automated driving features and cross-border mobility applications.
The service eliminates the need for costly roadside units, and the integration is expected to reinforce Qualcomm’s efforts in assisted and automated driving, advanced safety features, and traffic efficiency. Edge Transportation Exchange supports existing factory telematics chips or smartphone apps, and the acquisition brings Qualcomm automotive-qualified global V2X chipsets that can be embedded both in vehicles and infrastructure. Verizon's Edge Transportation Exchange and Qualcomm’s chip-level enhancements collectively mark a turning point in the V2X ecosystem.
In its most recent fiscal quarter, Qualcomm Automotive revenue grew 59% year-over-year to $959M, a testament to the company's commitment and success in the automotive sector. The acquisition of Israeli V2X specialist Autotalks for an estimated $350 million further solidifies Qualcomm's position in the V2X market.
With these developments, Verizon Business and Qualcomm are poised to lead the global shift towards connected, autonomous, and software-defined vehicles through the remainder of this decade.
- The integration of V2X technologies, such as those embedded by Qualcomm in commercial vehicles, includes advanced safety features like automatic braking and intersection alerts, enhancing overall safety in the automotive industry.
- As the industry transitions from 4G/LTE to 5G/C-V2X architectures, financial institutions will likely invest more in 5G infrastructure, like China and Europe, to support more sophisticated vehicle automation and cross-border autonomous freight initiatives.
- Partnerships between companies, such as Verizon Business and Qualcomm, will facilitate the adoption of V2X technology in commercial vehicles, enabling real-time, low-latency V2X communications crucial for autonomous and semi-autonomous driving functionalities.
- The collaboration between Verizon Business and Qualcomm, reinforced by Verizon's substantial revenue growth in the automotive sector and Qualcomm's acquisition of companies like Autotalks, is a significant step in leading the global shift towards connected, autonomous, and software-defined vehicles.
