EU Lawmakers Reject Push For Wi-Fi-Based Car Standards

A committee comprised of EU lawmakers rejected a push for Wi-Fi-based technology in cars earlier this week, backing those who instead of Wi-Fi would rather see 5G standards get implemented across the board.

If the Wi-Fi ITS-G5 standard would have come out on top, automakers like Volkswagen and Renault would have had an edge over the likes of Daimler, Ford and the PSA Group who have endorsed the C-V2X 5G standard all along, as reported by Autonews Europe.

Also rooting for 5G is the telecommunications industry, seen as how there’s a clause in place requiring new technology to be modified in order to not clash with older technology – such a clause is thought to delay innovations, according to the European Parliament’s transport committee.

Finland, Spain and the commission’s digital chief, Andrus Ansip all voiced criticism of this requirement, while the EU executive declined to comment on the parliamentary committee vote.

Meanwhile, the parliament will vote on the Commission’s proposal on April 17, a vote that can only be blocked by a majority. The European Council will also weigh in on the issue, although it would require a majority of EU countries in order to derail the proposal.

Lobbying group and C-V2X supporter 5GAA, feels as though this so-called Wi-Fi push can negatively impact the Commission’s campaign to promote 5G-based standards and improve economic growth.

According to backers such as BMW and others, 5G is more future-proof than Wi-Fi and has a wider application for entertainment, traffic data and general navigation.