NG eCall interoperability testing advances emergency communications

Next-generation emergency call systems are being developed to support IP-based communication, improved data exchange, and compatibility with evolving cellular networks. In this context, Kontron Europe GmbH supported the ETSI NG eCall 2026 Plugtests event in Ljubljana with testing infrastructure for next-generation emergency communications.

Testing NG eCall performance across automotive and telecom ecosystems
The NG eCall Plugtests Ljubljana 2026 were designed to validate interoperability between Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), in-vehicle system (IVS) suppliers, and mobile network operators. The initiative addressed integration challenges associated with the transition from legacy circuit-switched eCall to packet-based NG eCall architectures operating over 4G and 5G networks.

Application areas include connected vehicles, emergency response infrastructure, and the broader automotive data ecosystem, where regulatory frameworks require reliable automatic crash notification and standardized emergency data transmission.

The event was hosted by Telekom Slovenije in Ljubljana, Slovenia, using a dedicated 4G/5G test network. Kontron Europe GmbH and SINTESIO supported technical setup and operational validation activities.

Test platform for network validation without vehicle hardware
Preparation activities included stabilization of the test infrastructure using the NG eCall Demo Box (KDemo-16-NGeCall) from Kontron. The system is designed as a standalone validation platform capable of simulating NG eCall and pan-European eCall scenarios without requiring a physical in-vehicle system.

The platform is based on a Qualcomm SA525M 5G chipset with integrated GNSS positioning support. It enables testing of NG eCall functionality across 4G and 5G non-standalone (NSA) networks, including fallback to legacy pan-European eCall configurations and support for Minimum Set of Data (MSD) versions 2 and 3 with optional data extensions.

The embedded Linux software environment supports both automated and manual emergency call generation, loop and stress testing, and session logging with GNSS trace data. These functions support conformance verification, telecom network validation, and operator training within emergency call centres.

Supporting migration from legacy eCall infrastructure
Technical demonstrations during the Plugtests also addressed migration strategies from legacy public eCall implementations to NG eCall architectures. The upgrade approach focused on maintaining service continuity while introducing IP-based emergency communication aligned with European standardization efforts.

The Plugtests framework provided a neutral validation environment where different vendors and operators could verify interoperability using common test procedures. Use of standardized test equipment contributed to repeatability of results and verification consistency across participants.

Through this type of validation activity, NG eCall development continues to align with broader digital supply chain requirements in connected mobility, particularly where telecom infrastructure, automotive electronics, and public safety systems must operate within a common standards framework.

www.kontron.com

Edited by industrial journalist, Aishwarya Mambet — AI-powered.