Huawei and Mercedes-Benz join Avanci’s 5G programme
Qualcomm, Nokia, InterDigital and Ericsson among licensors | Advent of programme and addition of German automaker hailed as “important milestone” for the industry.
Patent licensing pool Avanci has announced the launch of its 5G connected vehicle programme, which is set to include Chinese technology company Huawei for the first time among its licensors and automaker Mercedes-Benz as its first named licensee.
Avanci confirmed the development in a press release issued on August 16, in which it stated that the much-anticipated programme “would simplify the licensing of the cellular technologies used in next-generation connected vehicles”.
So far, the programme comprises 58 licensors, including major standard essential patent (SEP) owners Qualcomm, Nokia, InterDigital and Ericsson, as well as Huawei.
A key presence
The addition of German automaker Mercedes Benz is notable, given that it was one of the most prominent proponents of hold-out in relation to Avanci’s earlier 2G-4G programme, when implementers declined to take out a licence to the patented technologies in their devices.
Commenting on the development, Laurie Fitzgerald, senior vice president at Avanci—who spearheaded the initiative—described the launch as “an important milestone”.
“We can now provide automakers with the option of a single agreement, covering patented cellular technologies from 58 (and growing) organisations, to support the roll-out of 5G in connected vehicles,” she said.
“I am grateful for the support of everyone who worked closely with the Avanci Vehicle team over the past few years to make this new programme a reality.”
The Avanci 5G connected vehicle licence covers the vast majority of essential cellular technologies, and follows its Avanci 4G vehicle programme that presently covers 130 million connected vehicles on the world’s roads from more than 80 automotive brands.
Early-bird incentive
The headline price for the licence is $32 per vehicle and includes 2G-4G coverage. But Avanci is offering an early-bird discount of $29 per vehicle for licensees that join in the next six months, or any time before they ship their first 5G vehicle.
Also commenting on the development, Kasim Alfalahi, founder and chief executive officer of Avanci, said: “Avanci was created with a vision of transforming how technology is shared. We ensure that the work of thousands of inventors around the world is recognised and rewarded.
“At the same time, by simplifying technology access, we enable companies to build exciting new products that are improving the lives of people across the globe, every day.”
An industry transformation
Roger Lanctot, director of automotive connected mobility at TechInsights, hailed the launch as an unprecedented and welcome development for the automotive industry.
“The transition from 4G technology to 5G will be unlike any prior wireless changeover. For the first time, automakers are facing an industry transformation touching all aspects of vehicle development and sales, and car ownership.
“With 25 global automakers committed to deployment, prospects are bright for 5G to transform vehicle connectivity. TechInsights forecasts that the share of 5G connected vehicles will grow to over 50% of new vehicle production in five years’ time.”
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