EU project 5G-BEAM:

The EU-funded 5G-BEAM project aims to ensure continuous 5G coverage along the Brenner corridor, which stretches over 420 kilometres from Modena in Italy to Kufstein on the German border. Under the coordination of Autostrada del Brennero S.p.A. / Brennerautobahn AG, renowned partners such as TIM S.p.A., INWIT S.p.A., the MOST research centre with its branch at the University of Naples Federico II and Optimus Tower on the Austrian side are working together to develop this strategically important corridor with state-of-the-art mobile communications technology.

Seamless 5G connectivity from Modena to Kufstein

At the heart of the project is the construction of a 5G standalone network (SA) with edge computing capabilities on the Italian side, which enables decentralised data processing at the edge of the network. This ensures high data rates with minimal latency - a prerequisite for real-time applications such as connected and autonomous driving. On the Austrian side, Optimus Tower is responsible for modernising the passive infrastructure along the Brenner route between the Italian border and Kufstein. The existing sites are to be improved so that a seamless connection with the Italian 5G network is created and active 5G devices can be installed in the future to provide services such as cooperative, connected and automated mobility (CCAM).

The overall project has a budget of around 17 million euros, with the Austrian share amounting to just under 5 million euros, 50 percent of which is funded by the EU's Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding programme. The project started on 1 December 2025 and is scheduled to run for 36 months.

Technological highlights and application scenarios

The 5G-BEAM project utilises state-of-the-art 5G technology, edge computing and hybrid communication solutions to provide vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-network (V2N) functions. This enables cooperative driving scenarios, real-time transmission of infrastructure information and hazard warnings for vehicles, which significantly increases road safety along the Brenner corridor. 5G-enabled sensors and IoT devices continuously record road, weather and traffic conditions, support the monitoring of roadworks and enable the prioritisation of emergency vehicles. Enhanced floating car data also helps to ensure that all road users can participate in the smart road ecosystem.

A central component is the structural health monitoring system, which monitors bridges, viaducts and other infrastructure along the route. The recorded data is processed locally and transmitted to cloud platforms via the 5G network, where AI-supported analyses and digital twins provide precise condition assessments. This is complemented by TIM's edge cloud-based Smart Roads platform, which supports hybrid communication methods and ensures that vehicles without native 5G equipment can also benefit from real-time information. Overall, these technologies enable seamless, connected mobility and increase safety, efficiency and connectivity along the entire Brenner route.

Benefits for the region

The improved 5G coverage will not only benefit cross-border transport and logistics companies, but also the population of Tyrol. Real-time traffic management, faster emergency responses, reduced congestion and safe roadworks areas increase road safety for all road users. In addition, the reliable, uninterrupted connectivity along the motorway creates a basis for innovative mobility services and strengthens economic networking across the Austrian-Italian border.

Peter Haupt, CEO of Optimus Tower, emphasises: "We are delighted to be able to contribute our expertise to this EU-funded project and thus play an active role in shaping the mobility of the future. Our contribution will ensure that 5G coverage along the Brenner route brings tangible benefits for both the economy and the people in the region."

Christof Braunegg, responsible for Business Development at Optimus Tower, adds: "The modernisation of our passive infrastructure on the Austrian side forms the backbone for the planned 5G services. We are creating the basis so that state-of-the-art 5G technologies can be used across borders from Italy to Kufstein, increasing safety, efficiency and innovation in transport."

The 5G-BEAM project is an example of how European cooperation and state-of-the-art telecommunications can go hand in hand to make the mobility of the future safe, connected and sustainable.