The 5G technology deployment strategy is part of Luxembourg's digitalisation programme. After focusing its efforts on the 4G fixed and mobile Internet network, Luxembourg's current aim is to be a leading digital player with 5G. The reasons are two-fold. On the one hand, the country must respond to the targets adopted by the EU Telecom Ministers. On the other hand, we respond to a growing need for speed due to new uses: 4K is becoming more widespread, streaming is becoming a norm and the number of eGamers is rising. All of these habits call for a higher network capacity and low latency. But 5G is so much more! For Luxembourg, this new stage of digitalisation represents a major socio-economic step forward for both individuals and businesses. Citizen's quality of life will be improved with developments in many areas: transport, industry, security, health, the Internet of Things, etc. And the deployment of 5G will also increase the attractiveness of Luxembourg by affirming that it is a ground for innovation for setting up new businesses. To sum up, in Luxembourg, 5G will be the electronic communication infrastructure of the future.

Self-driving cars: when technological innovation improves our quality of life and safety

Machines that talk to each other – no this isn't the storyline of Steven Spielberg's next science fiction movie, but the reality of our future. In fact, Luxembourg's Minister of Economy and Minister of the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development together with their French and German counterparts, have approved the testing of self-driving cars, using 5G under real conditions. This experiment will make it possible for tests to be carried out on real roads, on the motorway corridor linking the cities of Metz (France), Merzig (Germany) and South of Luxembourg. This explains the name of the project – "5GCroCo" (5G Cross-Border Control). Although self-driving cars have been in the pipeline for a while, the deployment of 5G technology will make them even safer. Three areas relating to how these vehicles drive at the cross-border test site will be studied:

• Remote driving
• Continuously receiving and transmitting data
• The improvement in traffic and driving conditions for motorists

Thanks to 5G technology, which is present in the vehicle and in external sensors, it will be possible to share data, not only with other vehicles but also with the surrounding infrastructure. The car will be able to react autonomously and warn motorists of dangers ahead. This will have an impact on collisions as well as on the flow of traffic, traffic jams and pollution caused by road transport. To sum up, together these three specific cases should reduce the number of road accidents by improving the motorists’ safety and comfort.

In addition, as the "5GCroCo" project is a cross-border experiment, it will be possible to test the 5G mobile network when crossing the borders. Having a permanent connection, even when crossing the border, is a real opportunity to improve safety. As such, POST wanted to be involved in the project and offer its expertise. In this way, the Luxembourgish company, leader in the telecommunications field, is positioning itself in the deployment of 5G in Europe, outside its borders.

As a telecommunications service provider, POST also has a decisive role to play, as self-driving cars will become a reality with the help of 5G technology. It is in fact 5G that will enable vehicles to communicate with each other and share data, continuously and in real time. Interconnectivity with other cars, but also with certain street furniture items, will make it possible to receive a large flow of constantly changing data from a number of sources outside the vehicle. To create the "omniscient" car, two components intrinsic to 5G NR (New Radio) are necessary: the amount of information transmitted via ultra-broadband (enhanced Mobile BroadBand: eMBB) and a very reliable low latency* (Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications: URLLC). Having a very low latency, of around a millisecond, is essential for an immediate response to the dangers of the road: the reaction time of a driver travelling at 130km/hour, without fatigue, in a non-self-driving car is approximately one second, which equates to 120 metres travelled on dry road before the vehicle stops. However, when there is a risk, a self-driving car will warn other cars in one millisecond and will activate the emergency brake assistance to stop the vehicle in less than 85 metres.

Technological innovation improves our daily lives. It can even save lives.

* Latency measures the speed at which signals are transmitted through a telecommunications network.

Drones are typically used for taking aerial photographs, mainly as part of mapping processes. However, more recently there has been a lot of talk about other use cases in a fast-growing area: delivering shipments using drones. The combination of these two use cases can save lives.

Currently it is the emergency services that are called out following an accident. But they may have to overcome obstacles, depending on the incident’s location, such as uneven terrains, traffic jams, impassable roads, roadblocks, etc. All these are constraints that drones can easily overcome. Once at the scene, the drone can provide important information via a livestream video, an audio device and a thermal camera. Thanks to 5G technology, information can be sent almost instantly and the accuracy of the images –which are better than with the naked eye– will make it possible to pinpoint the location of the victim(s). Finally, thanks to its carrying capability the drone can transport small shipments, such as blood pouches, medicines and vaccines.

Therefore, 5G will help delivering vital supplies in emergency situations.

In recent years, virtual reality and augmented reality have been frequently used for connected experiences. But the arrival of 5G will give these uses a new dimension.

Virtual reality makes it possible to become completely immersed in a chosen world. 5G will bring this world as close as possible, making it almost impossible to distinguish between virtual and true reality. Users will be able to enjoy a safari from their couch and count lion's whiskers while admiring the pink shades of the sunset. It will be possible to follow the exact route of a bobsleigh at full speed at the Olympic Games or to attend a concert by a quartet made up of artists that are in different locations. It is also a step forward for the environment: 5G is the gateway to the world without having to rely on airplanes.

In addition, 5G will take the use of augmented reality to the next level. It can be used in many areas: during a football match to see the name and number of the players simply by pointing your smartphone at the TV, to rearrange a room using your tablet screen to show a sofa or a table or to try on a pair of shoes available online. But augmented reality may also appear in other less recreational areas, such as education, industry and medicine.