How Telcos Can Seize Opportunities in the V2X Market
- Gareth Price-Jones
- 23 hours ago
- 4 min read

The Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) market is poised to revolutionize mobility, enabling seamless communication between vehicles, infrastructure, pedestrians, and cloud-based services. Telecommunications companies (telcos) have a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of this transformation by leveraging their expertise in network infrastructure, edge computing, and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC).
Understanding V2X Technology
V2X technology encompasses several communication types:
Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V): Enables direct communication between vehicles to prevent collisions and improve traffic efficiency.
Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I): Connects vehicles with traffic signals, road signs, and smart city infrastructure for optimized navigation.
Vehicle-to-Pedestrian (V2P): Enhances safety by alerting vehicles to pedestrians and cyclists in their vicinity.
Vehicle-to-Network (V2N): Utilizes cellular networks to provide cloud-based services, real-time traffic updates, and remote diagnostics.
The Role of 5G, Edge Computing, and URLLC
The success of V2X hinges on ultra-low latency and high-speed connectivity, making 5G networks, edge computing, and URLLC essential. Telcos can:
Deploy 5G infrastructure to support real-time data exchange.
Hybrid slice and 5G private networks to support V2X secure isolation and SLA.
Utilize edge computing to process data closer to the source, reducing latency.
Ensure secure and scalable network architectures for uninterrupted communication.
Enable instant decision-making by combining edge compute with URLLC, allowing vehicles to interact with traffic signals, road hazards, and pedestrians within milliseconds.
Smart Car Innovations—The Foundation for V2X
Before full V2X adoption, smart vehicles will evolve through incremental innovations, shaping the future of mobility. These advancements will bridge the gap between current connected vehicles and fully autonomous ecosystems.
1. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
ADAS features will continue to evolve, making vehicles smarter and safer before full-scale V2X implementation. This includes:
Adaptive Cruise Control: Enables vehicles to adjust speed based on real-time traffic conditions.
Lane Keeping Assistance: Helps drivers stay centred in their lanes using sensor data.
Automated Emergency Braking: Detects hazards and applies brakes to prevent collisions.
Blind Spot Monitoring: Alerts drivers about surrounding vehicles to prevent accidents.
2. AI-Powered Predictive Analytics
Vehicles will leverage AI-driven analytics to anticipate driving conditions and enhance real-time decision-making, including:
Predictive Maintenance: Cars will analyse engine health and wear patterns to prevent breakdowns before they occur.
Driver Behavior Analysis: AI will track driver habits, offering personalized recommendations to improve safety and efficiency.
Road Condition Forecasting: Sensors will collect environmental data, alerting drivers about ice patches, potholes, and traffic congestion.
3. Enhanced Connectivity & Vehicle Cloud Services
Before full V2X, manufacturers will focus on improving cloud-based vehicle services, including:
Over-the-Air (OTA) Software Updates: Cars will receive remote upgrades to enhance security, improve performance, and introduce new features.
In-Vehicle Voice Assistants: AI-driven assistants will integrate with navigation, infotainment, and smart home systems.
Integrated App Ecosystems: Vehicles will function as digital hubs, connecting with ride-sharing, delivery services, and smart city platforms.
4. Early-Stage Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication
While full-scale V2X adoption will take time, limited V2V messaging will emerge first, allowing:
Vehicles to share traffic congestion data in real time.
Fleet management systems to optimize delivery routes.
Highway coordination features, such as automated merging and lane-sharing.
These smart car innovations will set the stage for full V2X adoption, ensuring that vehicles, infrastructure, and telcos are prepared for the next phase of connectivity.
Market Value and Growth Potential
The V2X market is expected to grow significantly, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 20%. By the mid to late 2030s, widespread adoption will drive the market to tens of billions of dollars, fuelled by advancements in autonomous driving and smart city integration.
Realistic Adoption Timeline Based on WEF Insights
The World Economic Forum (WEF) roadmap suggests a gradual transition for autonomous vehicles, with distinctions between different categories:
Personal Vehicles: Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) will continue evolving, but fully autonomous consumer vehicles will remain limited until beyond 2035.
Robotaxis: Deployment of self-driving taxis will be restricted to select urban areas in the 2030s, mainly in controlled environments.
Autonomous Trucks: Adoption will accelerate first in long-haul hub-to-hub routes, where automation delivers clear business benefits.
Given these insights, the revised timeline for V2X adoption aligns as follows:
2025-2029: Development of 5G networks, pilot programs for V2X-enabled infrastructure, and regulatory alignment as well as support for smart car pre V2X connectivity for cloud based services.
2030-2035: Gradual adoption of V2X technology in urban mobility and autonomous driving, with telcos providing critical network solutions.
Beyond 2035: Full-scale integration into smart city ecosystems, with telcos playing a central role in connectivity and data management.
Key Use Cases in Cellular V2X—How Telcos Can Drive Innovation
1. Safety-Critical Applications
Intersection Movement Assistance: Vehicles communicate with traffic signals and other cars to prevent collisions at intersections.
Emergency Vehicle Warning: Alerts drivers when an emergency vehicle is approaching, allowing them to clear the way.
Pedestrian Protection: Vehicles detect pedestrians and cyclists, sending alerts to prevent accidents.
2. Traffic Efficiency & Optimization
Green Light Optimal Speed Advisory (GLOSA): Vehicles receive real-time traffic signal timing to adjust speed and reduce stops.
Dynamic Traffic Routing: Vehicles share congestion data to optimize route planning and reduce travel time.
Cooperative Adaptive Cruise Control (CACC): Enables vehicles to maintain optimal speed and spacing in traffic.
3. Autonomous Driving & Platooning
Truck Platooning: Groups of trucks travel closely together, reducing fuel consumption and improving efficiency.
Remote Driving Assistance: Allows vehicles to receive guidance from external operators in complex driving scenarios.
Automated Lane Merging: Vehicles coordinate with infrastructure to merge lanes safely and efficiently.
4. Smart City & Infrastructure Integration
Road Hazard Warnings: Vehicles receive alerts about obstacles, slippery roads, or construction zones.
Parking Assistance: Smart parking systems guide vehicles to available spots using real-time data.
Environmental Monitoring: Vehicles collect air quality and weather data to support smart city initiatives.
Strategic Moves for Telcos
To capitalize on this opportunity, telcos should:
Partner with automotive manufacturers to integrate V2X solutions.
Invest in cybersecurity to protect vehicle communications.
Develop monetization models for data-driven services in mobility and logistics.
The V2X revolution is on the horizon, and telcos have the chance to shape the future of connected mobility. By embracing innovation and strategic partnerships, they can unlock new revenue streams and drive the next era of intelligent transportation.
Author : Gareth Price-Jones
References
5G Automotive Association (5GAA) – C-V2X Use Case Reports: 5GAA Use Cases & Service Level Requirements 2025
GSMA 5G & Automotive Insights – Telco strategies in automotive connectivity: GSMA Connected Vehicles
World Economic Forum Report – Autonomous Vehicles Roadmap WEF Autonomous Vehicles & Future Mobility
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