In 2021, General Motors struck a deal with AT&T with the ambitious goal of using the network’s 5G capabilities to revolutionise the in-car experience. This included significant steps towards the development of fully autonomous vehicles, albeit currently feeling like a distant goal. Notwithstanding, there are numerous advantages to be reaped from enhanced 5G communication technology within automobiles.
Currently, Carmakers such as Mercedes-Benz and General Motors are shifting in gear, drifting away from a reliance on “smartphone mirroring” and leaning towards bespoke in-vehicle infotainment systems that work in harmony with vehicle displays. This technological transition seems to be knocking on the door as car giants aim to claim greater control over the digital dashboard real estate, signalling a potential surge of new revenue streams.
The growing anticipation over 5G’s potential within consumer vehicles is prompting a sharp focus on devising a viable 5G patent licensing mechanism for automakers. In fact, around two dozen car manufacturers have pledged to incorporate 5G technology into their vehicles. Leading 5G patent owners are looking to recover their investments in fostering 5G innovation with the automotive patent pool, Avanci, announcing the launch of their “5G automotive licensing program”, which clusters together 58 5G licensors. This license would minimise the exposure of automakers to 5G patent assertion, offering a comprehensive cover for all iterations of 2G to 5G technology, including cellular vehicle to everything (C-V2X) technology.
Mercedes-Benz was the first to sign up to the Avanci 5G license, prior to launching sales of their 5G-equipped vehicles. The journey won’t be smooth sailing for Avanci, who is faced with the daunting task of licensing the roughly two dozen automakers, all looking to roll out 5G-equipped vehicles in the near future. However, Avanci can leverage the success of their previous 4G licensing program as a learning curve for the upcoming 5G negotiations. This can be particularly beneficial in discussions with Japanese automakers, who were previously largely reluctant to sign up for Avanci’s 4G licensing program in the past.
As hinted by the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division’s assessment, Avanci’s 5G Licensing Program could potentially hasten the integration of emerging 5G technologies into vehicles, thereby reducing costs and associated risks. Ultimately, this transition can lead to significantly improved experiences for vehicle owners. Only time will reveal which automakers will be joining Mercedes-Benz in the Avanci patent carpool.