Quectel Launches AR588MA Automotive 5G R18 Module Powered by MediaTek’s 5G-A Platform
Ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show 2026 (CES 2026), Quectel Wireless Solutions, a global leader in IoT and connected vehicle technologies, has announced the launch of the AR588MA, a 3GPP Release 18–compliant automotive-grade 5G-Advanced (5G-A) module. Designed to meet the growing demands of next-generation intelligent vehicles, the new module marks a significant milestone in automotive connectivity.
The AR588MA series is built on MediaTek’s MT2739, the world’s first 5G-A platform, and delivers four major technological advancements: comprehensive signal coverage, ultra-high-speed data transmission, AI-driven intelligent network adaptation, and automotive-grade safety assurance. These capabilities provide a strong foundation for the evolution of intelligent connected vehicles. Engineering samples of the module are already available, and several leading automotive manufacturers have begun deploying solutions based on the AR588MA series.
According to Wang Min, General Manager of Quectel’s Automotive Pre-installation Business Unit, the adoption of 5G-A technology aligns perfectly with the core requirements of future intelligent vehicles, including ultra-high bandwidth, ultra-low latency, and exceptional reliability. He noted that the AR588MA’s technical strengths make it well suited for critical applications such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), intelligent in-vehicle interaction, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication, helping to establish a robust communications backbone for the global intelligent vehicle ecosystem.
Ground and Satellite Connectivity for Reliable High-Speed Communication
As MediaTek’s first automotive-grade module based on the 5G-A platform, the AR588MA delivers industry-leading modem performance. It is powered by a quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU running at up to 2.3 GHz and supports enhanced uplink transmission with ultra-low latency. The module enables up to 400 MHz bandwidth and NR 5CC aggregation, offering downlink speeds of up to 9.0 Gbps and uplink speeds exceeding 2.5 Gbps. Support for dual SIM dual standby (DSDA) ensures efficient data transmission and real-time processing while maintaining stable network connectivity—critical for the safety and reliability of advanced driving systems.
In addition, the AR588MA achieves a major leap in full-domain communication by integrating both 5G-A and satellite communication capabilities. With improved low-frequency reception and adaptive signal compensation algorithms, the module ensures consistent connectivity across diverse environments. Even in challenging locations such as underground parking facilities or remote mountainous regions, vehicles can maintain stable network access, effectively addressing coverage blind spots and ensuring uninterrupted communication in complex scenarios.
To further enhance wireless performance, the AR588MA supports a six-antenna port design and is deeply optimized for Quectel’s high-performance smart antenna solutions. This tight integration between the module and antenna delivers broader coverage and stronger signal performance, ensuring a reliable wireless experience.
AI-Driven Network Adaptation for Enhanced User Experience
As intelligent connected vehicles continue to advance, users increasingly expect seamless and uninterrupted in-vehicle connectivity. One of the AR588MA’s core strengths is its deep integration of artificial intelligence with automotive communications, enabling a shift from passive connectivity to active network adaptation.
The module features intelligent driving scenario recognition and an AI-powered network optimization engine, supported by quad-core 25K DMIPS and dual-core 13K DMIPS computing performance. By processing real-time data such as vehicle location, driving speed, and road conditions, the AR588MA can automatically select the optimal network mode. This significantly improves network speed and stability, delivering a smoother and more responsive in-vehicle connectivity experience.
Automotive-Grade Reliability and Security
Vehicle communication reliability is directly linked to driving safety, and the AR588MA is engineered to meet strict automotive-grade standards. It complies with the AEC-Q100 Grade 2 specification, ensuring dependable performance in harsh operating environments. The module also adheres to the ISO 21434 automotive cybersecurity framework and supports Secure Boot and Root of Trust (RoT). Combined with Hypervisor-based hardware isolation, these features provide enhanced system stability and robust protection against cyber threats.
Functionally, the AR588MA fully supports eCall and NG-eCall emergency call systems. In the event of a collision or other emergency, the module can automatically initiate an emergency call and transmit vital information such as vehicle location and accident details to emergency response centers, helping to reduce rescue response times. The module also integrates GNSS positioning with L1 and L5 dual-frequency support and output rates of up to 30 MHz, enabling precise location tracking for advanced navigation, lane-level guidance, and assisted driving applications.
Highly Compatible Design for Seamless 5G-A Upgrades
To help customers reduce development costs and accelerate time to market, the AR588MA adopts a highly compatible hardware and software architecture. On the hardware side, it offers pin-to-pin compatibility with Quectel’s AG581A, AG56xN, and AG519M automotive 5G modules, allowing manufacturers to upgrade from conventional 5G to 5G-A with minimal redesign.
On the software side, the module is based on Quectel’s QuecOpen architecture, which provides strong cross-platform and cross-system compatibility. This enables automakers to seamlessly migrate existing systems, significantly shortening development, testing, and validation cycles while speeding up commercial deployment.
From January 6 to 9, the AR588MA series will be showcased at CES 2026. Visitors can explore the solution in detail at Quectel’s booth (#10363) at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
About Quectel
Quectel Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd. (Stock Code: 603236) is a leading global provider of end-to-end IoT solutions. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of products, including cellular modules (5G, 4G, 3G, 2G, LPWA), automotive-grade modules, smart and edge computing modules, short-range communication modules (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), GNSS positioning modules, satellite communication modules, and antennas.
Quectel also delivers value-added services such as AI solutions, IoT platforms, industrial intelligence, smart agriculture systems, certification and testing services, and RTK network calibration solutions. With extensive industry expertise, Quectel products are widely deployed across smart transportation, smart energy, financial services, smart cities, industrial automation, agriculture and environmental monitoring, healthcare, and smart security sectors.
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