Dear OmniAir Members,
As we approach the end of 2024, it is time to reflect on the significant milestones and accomplishments that we have all achieved this year.
Thanks to the continued support of our members, partners, and friends around the world, OmniAir Consortium has made remarkable strides in 2024 in advancing interoperability for both tolling and connected vehicles. What the OmniAir community has been able to accomplish this year is truly impressive.
In January, we dubbed 2024 “The Year of Interoperable Connectivity.” This is one of the few New Year’s predictions that actually came true! Through the dedication and hard work of our volunteer members, OmniAir has been able to accomplish some really great things in 2024.
New Members
In 2024 we welcomed many new organizations from across the public sector and industry into OmniAir Membership:
New Certification Programs
This year, OmniAir launched two new certification programs, expanding our commitment to ensuring the availability of trusted communications technologies for deployers that are interoperable, secure, and conform to industry standards.
We started the year with the launch of a new OmniAir Certification program for cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) modules. This new program compliments OmniAir’s existing certification programs for C-V2X On-Board Units (OBU) and Roadside Units (RSU).
We also focused on enhancing the security of OmniAir Certified C-V2X devices by incorporating new security testing. By mandating compliance with the 1609.2.1 standard, OmniAir is also helping to ensure SCMS interoperability—a goal of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National V2X Deployment Plan.
In May, we launched the world’s first certification program for multi-protocol tolling RFID tags and readers. The new program expands the existing RFID tolling certification program to include TDM, Sego (6B-80K), and 6C tags and readers, operating in single or multi-protocol state, with lab and field testing.
This new tolling certification program was the culmination of over 4 years of consensus building between tolling agencies, vendors, and RFID testing experts. With this new program OmniAir is helping the tolling industry to meet its commitment to facilitating National Toll Interoperability.
We are continuing to push forward on future certification programs. OmniAir members are actively engaged in market assessment and test case drafting through our working groups on Road Usage Charge (RUC) Certification and Aftermarket V2X Device Certification.
Certification Awards
2024 was a year of firsts in other ways. We awarded our first certification program for a C-V2X RSU and OmniAir’s first certification for a C-V2X module. We also issued new certifications for other C-V2X devices and RFID tolling equipment. We also authorized new field test sites for tolling testing—with more on the way!
Plugfests and Workshops
OmniAir hosted two very successful Plugfests this year—each bringing together a record number of V2X device manufacturers, test equipment providers and laboratories from around the world for a week of conformance, interoperability, and security testing and technical learning in a collaborative environment.
In May, our M-City Pugfest in Ann Arbor, MI drew strong participation from 27 companies, with an emphasis on security testing and SCMS interoperability. We also hosted listening sessions with USDOT Volpe Centre and Federal Highway Administration on the FCC’s 2nd Report & Order.
We also partnered with the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute on a one-day Connected Mobility Workshop with keynote speakers from USDOT, Michigan DOT, and the Automotive Research Center at the University of Michigan.
In late October, we held our OmniAir San Diego Plugfest, with 30 testing teams at the Qualcomm campus in San Diego, CA. This event featured a week of bench and field testing, with technical learning sessions and hands-on demonstrations each day. USDOT, NTIA, and Caltrans each sent delegations to participate in testing and present.
During the Plugfest we hosted our California State & Local C-V2X Deployers Conference, in partnership with Qualcomm and ITS California. We heard from panels of transportation officials and public safety officers about how they are using C-V2X technology every day to save lives.
Partnerships
2024 was a year for OmniAir to deepen and enhance our partnerships, to help advance OmniAir Certification around the world. We renewed our MOU with the 5G Automotive Association, and entered into a new MOU with ITS Korea.
Contracts
OmniAir was also awarded a contract by the Federal Highway Administration to help accelerate national V2X deployment through certification. This new contract is helping to facilitate FHWA participation in OmniAir Plugfests and working groups and will ensure that OmniAir Certification programs align with future deployer needs. We are excited that OmniAir members will have the opportunity to contribute to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s efforts to accelerate nationwide, interoperable V2X deployment.
Thank You
These accomplishments represent just a fraction of what we can achieve together. As we approach the holidays, I am reminded of how very thankful I am to have such dedicated and engaged members. 2024 truly has been a year to remember.
As we look toward 2025, I am excited about the continued collaboration within our community. We have big challenges and even bigger opportunities. Thank you for your continued support for OmniAir and our shared mission.
Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels!
Warm regards,
Jason M. Conley, Executive Director