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Quectel Leads the Way with Automotive-Grade 5G R18 Module Based on MediaTek's First 5G-A Platform

On January 4, 2026, just before the opening of CES 2026, Quectel, a global leader in IoT and automotive connectivity solutions, announced the launch of its automotive-grade 5G-Advanced (5G-A) module AR588MA, which conforms to the 3GPP R18 standard. This module is built upon MediaTek's first 5G-A chipset, MT2739, marking a significant milestone in the development of next-generation connected vehicles.

The AR588MA series achieves four major breakthroughs: comprehensive signal coverage, high-speed connection transmission, AI-powered smart network adaptation, and automotive-grade security. These advancements are designed to support the evolving demands of intelligent connected vehicles, including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), intelligent in-car interactions, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications. Currently, engineering samples of this module are available, and several leading automotive manufacturers have already initiated integration processes for the AR588MA series.

Wang Min, General Manager of Quectel’s Automotive Division, commented: “The application of 5G-A technology in vehicles precisely meets the core requirements of next-generation smart cars for ultra-wide bandwidth, ultra-low latency, and ultimate reliability. The newly launched AR588MA, with its multiple technological advantages, can fully adapt to key scenarios such as ADAS, in-vehicle smart interaction, and V2X, laying a solid foundation for the communication needs of the global intelligent connected vehicle industry.”

Comprehensive Coverage and Reliable Transmission

Leveraging MediaTek's pioneering 5G-A platform, the AR588MA offers industry-leading modem performance. It features a quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU clocked at up to 2.3 GHz, providing enhanced uplink capabilities and ultra-low latency. Supporting 400 MHz bandwidth and NR 5CC, it achieves download speeds up to 9.0 Gbps and upload speeds exceeding 2.5 Gbps. With Dual SIM Dual Active (DSDA) functionality, the AR588MA ensures efficient and stable data transmission and real-time processing.

Beyond terrestrial networks, the AR588MA integrates satellite communication capabilities, addressing weak signal areas such as underground garages and remote mountainous regions. Enhanced low-frequency reception performance and adaptive network signal compensation algorithms ensure continuous connectivity across all scenarios, significantly improving network reliability.

AI-Powered Smart Adaptation

In the era of high-level intelligent connected vehicles, user expectations for smooth in-vehicle network experiences have risen. The AR588MA combines AI technology with vehicular communications, transitioning from "passive connections" to "active adaptations." Equipped with an onboard scene recognition system and an AI network optimization engine, it dynamically adjusts to optimal network modes based on multi-dimensional data like vehicle location, speed, and road conditions, enhancing network speeds and stability.

Robust Automotive Standards and Security

To ensure safety and reliability, the AR588MA adheres to strict automotive standards, including AEC-Q100 Grade 2 certification and compliance with ISO 21434 cybersecurity management systems. Secure boot, Root of Trust (RoT), and Hypervisor hardware isolation technologies further safeguard the integrity and security of in-vehicle communications.

The AR588MA also supports eCall/NG-eCall emergency call systems, automatically triggering calls to emergency services during accidents. Integrated GNSS positioning with L1+L5 dual-frequency support provides precise location data essential for navigation and ADAS functionalities.

Compatibility and Future-Proof Design

To facilitate easy upgrades from traditional 5G to 5G-A, the AR588MA adopts a highly compatible design in both hardware and software. Hardware-wise, it is pin-compatible with Quectel’s other automotive 5G modules, while software-wise, it utilizes the QuecOpen architecture for seamless system integration across platforms.

Visitors at CES 2026 can explore more about the AR588MA series by visiting Quectel’s booth (#10363) at the Las Vegas Convention Center from January 6 to January 9.