Orange Spain, Applus+ IDIADA and Ericsson enable automotive connectivity

Ericsson connectivity is to power a new Orange Spain dedicated network at automotive design, testing, engineering and official certification (homologation) company Applus+ IDIADA. The dedicated network will include 5G coverage to help develop and accredit next-generation applications and services for the automotive industry.

Applus+ IDIADA, a global company headquartered at Santa Oliva (Tarragona) near Barcelona, works with vehicle manufacturers worldwide to develop and validate technologies for the automotive industry.

The Santa Oliva facility has witnessed the development of many vehicle design features, services and improvements that we now take for granted.

The Orange Spain 5G dedicated network across the site will help to enable the same level of innovation and delivery of future autonomous, IoT and connected transport through proof of concept testing, development and technology homologation. Driverless technology, automated services, vehicle performance, telematics and infotainment will be among the focus areas.

Ericsson will provide an IP connectivity solution capable of supporting 5G in addition to legacy networks. It will comprise Ericsson Router 6000 and Enterprise Core solutions across the site. Ericsson will also provide support and maintenance services. The network is scheduled to be fully operational in June 2021.

Josep Maria Farran, CEO, Applus+ IDIADA's, says: “The agreement reached with Orange and the support of Ericsson, combined with our test tracks and engineering team, consolidate us as the best European centre for the development of connected and automated vehicles.”

Víctor Vera, Director, Orange Large Companies Accounts, Catalonia Region, says: “Thanks to this technological solution, the best and most modern facilities equipped with hyper connectivity will be made available to the automotive industry.”

Luisa Muñoz, Head of Digital Services, Ericsson Iberia, says: “We have a strong commitment to help Orange in the growth of private networks in Spain. Ericsson has an end-to-end portfolio well prepared to address any need in this area. We are delighted to be partner with Orange and Applus+ IDIADA to collaborate on the future of the autonomous car.”

Ericsson’s mobility partnership with Orange Spain dates back more than 20 years to the first generation of mobile technology. Ericsson is already partnering with Orange Spain to deploy commercial 5G across Spain, including Barcelona and Madrid, where services went live in September 2020.