By 2028, uninterrupted connectivity is to be guaranteed for the circulation along the route from Modena via the Brenner Pass to Kufstein, a prerequisite for automated driving.
Communication between vehicles (V2V), between vehicles and infrastructure (V2I), and with mobile networks (V2N) will be provided by the Austrian infrastructure provider Optimus Tower, among others. Image: optimustower.com
Vienna/Bolzano/Brussels – A new digital infrastructure is set to emerge along one of Europe’s most important transport routes. With the EU-funded project 5G-BEAM, the Brenner Corridor will be equipped with continuous high-performance 5G connectivity. The aim is to create the foundation for connected and automated mobility across national borders and to strengthen Europe’s position in intelligent transport systems.
The Brenner Corridor links Northern and Southern Europe and is part of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T). Thousands of passenger cars and trucks use this route every day. In the future, the corridor is expected to offer low latency, high network reliability and uninterrupted connectivity – key prerequisites for applications such as automated driving, real-time traffic management and digital safety services.
Cross-border 5G infrastructure
Running from 2025 to 2028, the 5G-BEAM project is co-financed by the European Union under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) – Digital programme. A continuous 5G coverage will be deployed along the route from Modena via the Brenner Pass to Kufstein and the German border. In Italy, a 5G standalone network with edge computing capabilities will be established, while in Austria a future-proof passive infrastructure will ensure seamless cross-border connectivity.
This architecture enables data processing directly at the network edge and significantly reduces latency – a decisive factor for safety-critical mobility applications.
Focus on connected and automated mobility
At the heart of 5G-BEAM are applications for Connected, Cooperative and Automated Mobility (CCAM). These include communication between vehicles (V2V), between vehicles and infrastructure (V2I), and between vehicles and mobile networks (V2N). Vehicles will be able to receive real-time warnings about hazards, congestion or roadworks, while traffic management centres will gain access to precise, up-to-date data for traffic control.
The infrastructure also enables the deployment of intelligent sensors for monitoring roads, tunnels and bridges, as well as the creation of digital twins for planning, maintenance and crisis management.
Strong consortium, European scope
The project is coordinated by Autostrada del Brennero S.p.A. (Brenner Motorway Company). The consortium includes telecommunications providers TIM and INWIT in Italy, research partners such as the University of Naples Federico II, and the Austrian infrastructure company Optimus Tower. The total project budget amounts to approximately €17 million, around half of which is funded by the EU.
Contribution to future mobility
With 5G-BEAM, the European Union sends a strong signal for the development of cross-border 5G corridors along major transport routes. The project is expected to enhance road safety, improve traffic flow and serve as a blueprint for further European digital corridors.
The Brenner Corridor is thus becoming a showcase and testing ground for the mobility of the future – connected, automated and European in scope.
By Okay Altinisik | 4-2-2026, 16:45:29
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