Transatel joins 5GAA in push for connected mobility

Transatel has joined the 5G Automotive Association, adding the NTT-owned connectivity provider to an industry group focused on connected mobility.

The move comes as carmakers rely more heavily on software and network links to support vehicle functions throughout a car's life. In that environment, mobile connectivity is increasingly seen not as an optional feature but as core infrastructure for updates, diagnostics, emergency functions and vehicle communications.

5GAA brings together companies from the automotive, technology and telecommunications sectors to develop systems for future transport and mobility services. The organisation has more than 100 members, including vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, mobile operators and infrastructure vendors.

Transatel says it has supported international connected-vehicle programmes since 2017, working with groups including Stellantis, JLR, BMW Group and Toyota. Its work in the sector has included multi-operator cellular connectivity, remote SIM provisioning, eSIM profile management, Wi-Fi offload, private network integration and satellite-based network links.

Automotive push

Joining 5GAA gives Transatel a formal role in industry discussions on how connectivity standards and operating models are evolving for software-defined vehicles. It plans to contribute expertise in global cellular connectivity, eSIM lifecycle management, multi-network orchestration and automotive connectivity operations.

That places the company in discussions around several technologies that carmakers and suppliers are assessing, including 5G Standalone systems, vehicle-to-everything services, non-terrestrial networks, private 5G environments and future 6G applications. The shift reflects a broader industry effort to ensure vehicles can stay connected across borders, operators and different generations of network technology.

As part of NTT, Transatel operates within a wider telecoms group with international network reach. It describes itself as both a mobile virtual network operator and an enabler for other operators, with connectivity across LTE-M, 3G, 4G and 5G networks through carrier partnerships.

According to Transatel, its SIM and eSIM technology is already used in vehicles, industrial equipment and consumer devices. Beyond automotive services, its customer base includes Airbus, Worldline and Air France, alongside vehicle manufacturers.

Industry context

The connected car market has become an increasingly important battleground for telecoms providers, vehicle manufacturers and suppliers as software plays a larger role in how cars are maintained and updated. Over-the-air software updates, remote diagnostics and fleet monitoring all depend on reliable network access, while emergency systems and remote control features add a safety and regulatory dimension to the need for dependable coverage.

The industry is also trying to manage fragmentation. Vehicles may be sold in multiple markets, move between countries and remain in service for years, meaning connectivity providers must handle different mobile operators, regulatory requirements and technology upgrades over a long period.

For carmakers, that creates pressure to find partners that can manage connectivity at scale while keeping systems flexible enough to support future services. Memberships such as 5GAA can help companies influence technical direction and maintain visibility with manufacturers and suppliers planning next-generation connected platforms.

Jacques Bonifay, Chief Executive Officer of Transatel, outlined the company's view of that shift.

"Connectivity is no longer an add-on. It is the foundation that allows software-defined vehicles to evolve throughout their lifecycle," said Jacques Bonifay, Chief Executive Officer of Transatel.

"By joining 5GAA, Transatel is reinforcing its commitment to industry collaboration and helping shape the resilient, global, and future-proof connectivity layer next-generation mobility requires," Bonifay said.

5GAA Chairman Christoph Voigt welcomed Transatel's addition to the group.

"We welcome Transatel to 5GAA at a pivotal moment for the connected mobility industry. Their expertise in global connectivity will strengthen our work to advance secure and scalable solutions worldwide," said Christoph Voigt, Chairman of 5GAA.