Operator role key for future transport services

ERTICO-ITS Europe is a public-private partnership of 120 companies and organisations, including public authorities, mobile network operators, and vehicle manufacturers. It works to promote and deploy intelligent transport systems and services throughout Europe.

Bangsgaard believes mobile operators are well placed to deliver the connectivity and network intelligence required for new transport services such as mobility as a service (MaaS) in cities.

Micro-payment data in mass-transit transport systems, for example, will require high capacity network connectivity that is well integrated with data centres.

Complex mobility ecosystems will also demand data collection and sharing between many participants and today much of the infrastructure is lacking.

“Privacy and GDPR enforcement, efficient and standardised data sharing and compensation platforms are missing. The existence of silos and often the lack of trust between parties from different sectors limit data accessibility,” said Bangsgaard

Again, mobile operators have the potential to step in.

“Mobile operators will bridge interactions and transactions between consumers and service providers in a secure way through platforms,” he said. “These platforms will authenticate users, consent to use of private data, provide real-time pricing, payment and transaction capabilities for paid services and secure storage of data.”

Operators have already conducted tests in the area of mobility, including connectivity, which show they can go beyond traditional communication services and be successful in mobility ventures, said Bangsgaard. But he sounded a note of caution.

“If we take mobility as a service, it requires operators to collaborate in aspects which have traditionally been areas of stiff competition.”