Quectel Introduces World’s First 5G-Advanced Automotive-Grade Cellular Module, Setting a New Benchmark for Vehicle Connectivity
Quectel Wireless Solutions, a global leader in end-to-end Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, has announced a major breakthrough in automotive connectivity with the launch of the world’s first 5G-Advanced (5G-A) automotive-grade cellular module. Named the AR588MA, the new module represents a significant leap forward for in-vehicle wireless communication, delivering unprecedented performance, reliability, and future-ready capabilities designed to meet the rapidly evolving demands of intelligent and connected vehicles.
Built on MediaTek’s latest-generation MT2739 platform, the AR588MA is the first automotive-grade cellular module in the world to fully comply with the 3GPP Release 18 (R18) standard. This milestone positions Quectel at the forefront of next-generation automotive connectivity, as 5G-Advanced marks the transition from traditional 5G deployments toward more intelligent, latency-sensitive, and performance-critical applications.
As vehicles increasingly transform into software-defined platforms, capable of autonomous functions, real-time data processing, and continuous cloud connectivity, the need for faster, more stable, and more reliable wireless communication has become critical. The AR588MA is specifically engineered to address these requirements, enabling automakers and Tier 1 suppliers to accelerate the deployment of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), intelligent driving features, and next-generation in-vehicle services.
Advancing Automotive Connectivity with 5G-Advanced Technology
The move from conventional 5G to 5G-Advanced represents a pivotal evolution in cellular communication. 5G-A introduces enhancements that significantly improve uplink and downlink performance, reduce latency to ultra-low levels, and enable more intelligent network management. These capabilities are particularly important for automotive applications, where milliseconds can make the difference between safe operation and system failure.
Quectel’s AR588MA delivers what the company describes as the industry’s highest modem performance, offering enhanced uplink transmission capacity and consistently low latency even in challenging network environments. This ensures that vehicles can transmit and receive large volumes of data in real time, supporting use cases such as high-definition map updates, sensor fusion, vehicle-to-cloud communication, and cooperative driving scenarios.
According to Min Wang, President of Quectel’s Automotive Business Unit, the introduction of 5G-Advanced marks a defining moment for the automotive sector.
The move to 5G-Advanced represents a major milestone in automotive connectivity, addressing the growing demands of next-generation vehicles for higher data rates, ultra-low latency, and uncompromising reliability,” Wang said. “As the world’s first 5G-Advanced automotive-grade cellular module, the AR588MA reinforces Quectel’s commitment to advancing in-vehicle connectivity and supporting the evolution of intelligent, connected vehicles worldwide.
Designed for Intelligent Driving and Mission-Critical Reliability
One of the most significant advantages of the AR588MA is its ability to support the data-intensive and latency-sensitive requirements of higher-level intelligent driving systems. As vehicles move toward Level 3 and beyond autonomous functionality, continuous, stable connectivity becomes essential for safety, situational awareness, and system redundancy.
The module is designed to deliver high-speed data transfer, stable data processing, and ultra-low latency, ensuring that onboard systems can communicate seamlessly with cloud platforms, roadside infrastructure, and other vehicles. This capability plays a crucial role in enabling advanced features such as real-time traffic awareness, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, remote diagnostics, and cooperative perception.
To further enhance reliability, the AR588MA incorporates Dual SIM Dual Active (DSDA) technology. This allows the module to maintain simultaneous connections to two separate cellular networks, dramatically reducing the risk of connection loss and ensuring uninterrupted data transmission even when one network becomes unstable or unavailable. For vehicles operating across regions with varying network coverage, DSDA provides a robust solution for consistent connectivity.
Integrated Satellite Communication for Extended Coverage
Recognizing that vehicles increasingly operate in environments where terrestrial cellular networks may be limited or unavailable, Quectel has integrated NB-NTN and NR-NTN satellite communication capabilities into the AR588MA. These features enable vehicles to maintain connectivity beyond traditional cellular coverage, including in remote, rural, or off-grid locations.
Satellite connectivity plays an increasingly important role in safety-critical applications, fleet management, and emergency services. By supporting both narrowband and next-generation non-terrestrial networks, the AR588MA ensures that vehicles remain connected regardless of geographic constraints, supporting seamless communication for navigation, tracking, and emergency response.
Intelligent Network Optimization for a Seamless User Experience
Beyond raw performance, the AR588MA introduces intelligent driving scenario recognition, allowing the module to automatically adapt its connection strategy based on real-time usage requirements. Whether the vehicle is engaged in high-bandwidth data transfer, latency-sensitive safety functions, or background connectivity tasks, the module dynamically selects the most optimal communication mode.
This intelligent switching capability significantly improves network efficiency, connection stability, and overall user experience. Drivers and passengers benefit from smoother infotainment services, faster response times, and more reliable connectivity, while vehicle systems gain the consistency required for mission-critical operations.
Automotive-Grade Design Built for Harsh Environments
The AR588MA is engineered to meet the stringent requirements of the automotive industry. It is designed in compliance with the AEC-Q104 Grade 2 automotive standard, ensuring long-term reliability and durability even under extreme environmental conditions. This makes the module suitable for a wide range of in-vehicle and exterior-mounted applications.
In particular, the module is optimized for on-roof automotive applications, such as smart antenna systems, where exposure to higher temperatures and harsh environmental factors is common. Enhanced thermal tolerance and robust mechanical design ensure consistent performance across the vehicle’s lifecycle.
Advanced GNSS and Antenna Integration
In addition to cellular and satellite connectivity, the AR588MA integrates dual-band GNSS support, covering both L1 and L5 frequency bands with output rates of up to 30 Hz. This high-precision positioning capability is essential for modern navigation systems, ADAS functions, and autonomous driving applications that rely on accurate and real-time location data.
Quectel has further enhanced wireless performance through a six-port antenna design, combined with proprietary antenna and power compensation technologies. This integrated approach optimizes signal strength, coverage, and reliability, delivering robust wireless performance across diverse operating conditions.
The antenna and module co-design ensures wide-area coverage and high throughput, reducing signal degradation and improving connectivity consistency even in challenging urban or high-speed driving environments.
Emergency Call System Compliance and Backward Compatibility
Safety remains a central focus of Quectel’s automotive strategy. The AR588MA fully supports European eCall, Next Generation eCall (NG eCall), and AECS (China eCall) standards, ensuring compliance with both current and future emergency call regulations across major global markets.
This comprehensive support allows automakers to deploy a single module platform across multiple regions, simplifying development and regulatory compliance while enhancing vehicle safety systems.
Additionally, the AR588MA offers drop-in compatibility with Quectel’s existing AG581A, AG56xN, and AG519M module series. This backward compatibility significantly reduces integration complexity and shortens time-to-market, allowing customers to upgrade to 5G-Advanced connectivity without extensive redesigns.
Shaping the Future of Connected and Intelligent Vehicles
With the launch of the AR588MA, Quectel has set a new industry benchmark for automotive wireless communication. By combining 5G-Advanced performance, satellite connectivity, intelligent network management, automotive-grade reliability, and comprehensive safety compliance, the module provides a future-proof foundation for next-generation vehicles.
As the automotive industry accelerates toward intelligent, connected, and autonomous mobility, solutions like the AR588MA will play a critical role in enabling safer roads, enhanced user experiences, and more efficient vehicle ecosystems. Quectel’s latest innovation underscores its position as a key technology partner for automakers navigating the transition to the next era of mobility.
About Quectel
Quectel’s passion for a smarter world drives us to accelerate IoT innovation. A highly customer-centric organization, we are an end-to-end global IoT solutions provider backed by outstanding support and services.
With a worldwide team of over 5,800 professionals, we lead the way in delivering end-to-end IoT solutions, spanning cellular, GNSS, satellite, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules, high-performance antennas, value-added services and full turnkey offerings including ODM services and system integration
With regional offices and support across the globe, our international leadership is devoted to advancing IoT and helping build a smarter world.
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