Quectel Wireless Solutions has unveiled what it says is the world’s first automotive-grade cellular module built to the 5G-Advanced standard, marking an early move by suppliers to prepare vehicles for the next phase of mobile connectivity.
The Chinese IoT module maker said the AR588MA module complies with the 3GPP Release 18 specification and is based on MediaTek’s MT2739 platform. The technology is designed to support higher data rates, lower latency, and more resilient connections, as carmakers increase their reliance on software-driven and connected vehicle systems.
The module supports both terrestrial and satellite communications, including NB-NTN and NR-NTN, enabling connectivity in areas without conventional network coverage. It also incorporates Dual SIM Dual Active technology, allowing vehicles to maintain simultaneous links to multiple networks, a feature intended to improve reliability in safety-critical applications.
According to Quectel, the AR588MA meets AEC-Q104 Grade 2 automotive standards and is capable of operating in higher-temperature environments, including roof-mounted applications such as smart antennas. The company said this would allow the module to be deployed in a wider range of vehicle architectures as manufacturers integrate communications hardware closer to the exterior of vehicles.
Min Wang, President, Automotive Business Unit, Quectel Wireless Solutions, said the transition to 5G-Advanced reflected growing demand from carmakers for more dependable and responsive wireless systems.
“The move to 5G-Advanced represents a major milestone in automotive connectivity, addressing the growing demands of next-generation vehicles for higher data rates, ultra-low latency, and uncompromising reliability,” he said.
Quectel said the module’s modem is designed to dynamically select the most appropriate connection mode depending on driving conditions and data requirements, helping to maintain stable performance for advanced driver assistance systems and higher levels of automated driving.
The AR588MA also integrates dual-band GNSS supporting L1 and L5 signals, with output rates of up to 30 Hz. A six-port antenna design, combined with the company’s proprietary antenna and power compensation technologies, is intended to improve signal coverage and consistency.
The module supports European eCall, NG eCall, and China’s AECS emergency call systems and is designed to be compatible with several of Quectel’s existing automotive modules, which the company said could reduce development time for customers.
Carmakers and suppliers are increasingly looking to 5G-Advanced as a foundation for future vehicle platforms, as software updates, sensor data, and real-time communications place growing demands on in-vehicle connectivity.
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