Optimizing IoT connectivity and security with ruggedized IoT and M2M SIM cards
Secure connectivity for drivers’ security
Since January 1, 2026, connected V-16 beacons have replaced traditional warning triangles in Spain. Unlike passive safety equipment, these compact devices automatically transmit the location of a stopped vehicle to Spain’s Directorate General of Traffic via the DGT 3.0 platform1. This allows authorities to alert other road users in real time and to respond faster to incidents. By eliminating the need for drivers to exit their vehicle and place a warning triangle on the road, connected V-16 beacons significantly reduce risk in already dangerous roadside situations.
Through its collaborations with Telefónica, Vodafone and MasOrange, three longstanding partners, IDEMIA Secure Transactions provides the embedded secure SIM technology that enables these certified beacons to communicate reliably. Today, IST supports the majority of DGT-certified V-16 beacons in the country, expected to impact up to 30 million vehicles and making it Europe’s largest connected road-safety initiative.
The technology behind the solution is designed to be both simple and robust. Each beacon uses low-power cellular connectivity to send its anonymous location automatically once activated. Leveraging IDEMIA Secure Transactions’ SIM capabilities, the solution ensures secure provisioning and encrypted data transmission, enabling communication with the DGT platform and long-term device lifecycle management. No smartphone pairing or user configuration is required, ensuring the device works anonymously and instantly in stressful situations. The system is built to operate nationwide and to function reliably over a minimum of 12 years.
A pioneering project in Europe for authorities
Beyond helping individual drivers, the connected beacon system also gives public authorities more accurate and timely information about incidents on the road. This supports faster intervention, better traffic management and safer driving conditions for everyone.
This large-scale deployment powered by IDEMIA Secure Transactions demonstrates how secure IoT connectivity can deliver tangible public-safety benefits. It also highlights the growing role of connected technologies in building smarter, safer mobility ecosystems across Europe. As the first nationwide deployments of this kind in Europe, the Spanish V-16 program could serve as a reference for other countries exploring connected traffic-safety initiatives.
As a Spanish company, Telefónica is very proud to contribute to the successful deployment of this ambitious nationwide program. By providing IoT connectivity, we help enable smarter traffic management, enhance road safety and support the development of more efficient road services, together with partners such as IDEMIA Secure Transactions highlights the role of our solutions for the society.
Javier GARCÍA OCÓN, IoT Connectivity Product Head at Telefónica Tech
As a provider of IoT/M2M solutions, Orange is committed to contributing to a safer driving experience by means of the V‑16 beacons. By leveraging our NB‑IoT technology and deploying devices fully certified in our accredited laboratory, we ensure reliable connectivity and the highest standards of performance and security in partnership with an industry leader as IDEMIA Secure Transactions.
Miguel Ángel VICTORIA, Head of IoT B2B at MasOrange
Vodafone Spain has a pioneering NB‑IoT network, deployed since 2017 and now comprising more than 16,800 NB‑IoT sites nationwide. This infrastructure positions us as a key technology partner in delivering the secure and reliable connectivity required by V‑16 beacons at national scale. We are proud that our network is helping to save lives on Spanish roads, making Europe’s largest connected road safety initiative a reality.
Francisco VALLEJO, Director of Product and Solutions Marketing at Vodafone Spain
With Spain making connected emergency beacons mandatory, secure and reliable connectivity at national scale becomes critical. Together with our long-standing partners Telefónica, Vodafone and MasOrange, we are proud to ensure millions of emergency devices remain securely connected for years to come. This deployment combines advanced secure IoT technology with proven large-scale execution, reinforcing IDEMIA Secure Transactions’ leadership in secure connectivity for critical infrastructure, IST’s teams take great pride in putting the solutions and technologies we develop to make the world safer for everyone.
Fabien JAUTARD, EVP Connectivity Services at IDEMIA Secure Transactions
1 DGT 3.0 is DGT’s connected vehicle platform that facilitates the interconnection of all the actors that are part of the mobility ecosystem to offer real-time traffic information to road users at all times.
About IDEMIA Group - IDEMIA Group is a global technology leader with more than 12,500 employees worldwide. Its two market-leading divisions deliver mission-critical solutions that simplify and secure interactions in the physical and digital realms:
• IDEMIA Secure Transactions (IST) is the leading technology provider making it safer and easier to pay and connect. With unmatched expertise in cryptography and credential issuance, IST is trusted by over 2000 financial institutions, mobile operators, automotive manufacturers, and IoT providers worldwide. Every day, IST secures billions of essential transactions, ensuring the highest levels of data protection and convenience.
• IDEMIA Public Security (IPS) is a trusted provider of government-grade and secure biometric-based solutions for 600 government, state and federal agencies. With decades of experience in biometric technologies, IPS enables safer, frictionless and fairer ways to secure travel, access and citizen protection.
For more information, please visit www.idemia.com.
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