Verizon Business has this week commercially launched its Edge Transportation Exchange.
The service is a mobile network vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication platform for connected vehicles.
Several customers have already signed up for it, noted Verizon, including automotive giant Volkswagen Group of America (VW).
The carrier's business unit has launched the V2X platform following a successful 5G Automotive Association (5GAA) joint demonstration.
As such, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), Rutgers University Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT), and VW have started using the service.
Verizon notes that the Edge Transportation Exchange utilizes the carrier’s 5G and LTE networks, low-latency mobile Edge computing (MEC), and geolocation technology to send alerts, messages, and data between connected vehicles and infrastructure in near real-time.
“Cars are evolving from mechanical vehicles to software-defined mobile devices with the ability to leverage incredible connected technology. Edge Transportation Exchange leverages that technology to give automakers, governments, and tech developers a robust platform for building out the cellular-connected future of transportation - with visibility and reliability for all road users top of mind,” said Shamik Basu, vice president, strategic connectivity & IoT, Verizon Business.
According to Verizon, the Edge Transportation Exchange "serves as an API-driven platform for collaborative innovation between automakers, technology developers, and municipal governments."
The company notes that the V2X technology is ideal for scaling existing connected solutions or for road-user safety and satisfaction technology.
Verizon's Edge Transportation Exchange is being used by Verizon's customers for a range of different use cases. VW is using the service to explore use cases such as pedestrian awareness and payment applications for expedited tolling.
Meanwhile, DelDOT is carrying out technical testing across multiple communication technologies and architectures to optimize V2X message delivery. This includes the messages around red-light warnings.
