Verizon plans to launch off-the-shelf telematics

‘Bringing connectivity to every vehicle’ was the vision Lowell McAdam (pictured), chairman and CEO of Verizon Communications put before delegates at the second plenary session. He said by 2017 there will be three times more networked devices than people in the world and such connectivity could radically alter transportation. “GE estimates that connected technologies have the potential to reduce the global transportation industry’s demand for fuel by 14%.”
September 10, 2014 Read time: 2 mins

‘Bringing connectivity to every vehicle’ was the vision Lowell McAdam (pictured), chairman and CEO of 1984 Verizon Communications put before delegates at the second plenary session.

He said by 2017 there will be three times more networked devices than people in the world and such connectivity could radically alter transportation. “GE estimates that connected technologies have the potential to reduce the global transportation industry’s demand for fuel by 14%.”

However, he said today Americans waste $120bn a year sitting in traffic, 30% of a city’s congestion is caused by people looking to park and only 7% of America’s 250 million vehicles are connected to communications networks.
 
McAdam told delegates: “At Verizon, we think the technology exists… to connect the vast majority of these vehicles to a wide range of intelligent services. We are committed to delivering an off-the-shelf solution that will bring the benefits of telematics to everyone next year.”  While acknowledging the work already undertaken he said: “we need to move beyond individual projects to think in a holistic way about integrating all these smart systems – connected cars, roads, buildings, power grids and communications – into a comprehensive intelligent ecosystem.” 

In pointing out President Obama’s comments that the US is the world’s largest economy but ranks 28th in terms of infrastructure investment, he issued a rallying call. “We have some decisions to make about how to invest in our future… and we’ve learned that investing in last century’s infrastructure may be cheaper in the short run but it’s way more costly in the long run.
“We need to fight for spectrum policies and tax laws that promote capital investment in the communications technologies on which intelligent transportation systems depend,” he concluded.

www.verizon.com

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Unique train safety system developed by German Aerospace Centre
    October 24, 2012
    The German Aerospace Centre DLR has arrived at the 2012 ITS World Congress with a unique system for rail safety – for preventing collisions between trains and improving safety for track workers. Whereas conventional train collision avoidance systems involve networks of base stations, DLR’s Railway Collision Avoidance System (RCAS) uses direct communication between trains or hand held devices without expensive infrastructure and so with substantial reduction in cost. “RCAS communication is via the Tetra stan
    Read More
  • On-vehicle air bag recognises and protects cyclists, pedestrians
    February 26, 2014
    Save CAP airbag is a proof of concept of a windscreen airbag and automatic braking system, designed to protect cyclists and pedestrians in a collision with a vehicle.
    Read More
  • Swarco demonstrates full-colour LED VMS technology
    March 24, 2014
    Visitors to the Swarco stand 10.103 are confronted with the very latest development in LED variable message signs. The new fully graphic, full-colour LED VMS by Austrian signalling specialist Swarco Futurit is not only able to display the usual signs, but is also suitable to show images and moving pictures, almost in TV quality.
    Read More
  • Jeddah juggles transport needs of residents, pilgrims and tourists
    December 22, 2015
    Mass pilgrimages, new tourists and a growing population lead Jeddah to seek some smart transport solutions as David Crawford finds out. Rationalising traffic movement and public transport in a major Middle Eastern business and tourist centre that is also a gateway for millions of religious pilgrims every year is the challenge for the 20-year Jeddah Strategic Plan and the Jeddah Public Transport Programme (JPTP) it spawned. The latter is costed at US$8bn.
    Read More

Highlighted Content