Telefónica Tech, Telefónica’s digital business unit, continues to consolidate its position as a technological leader in the field of mobility. The technology company provides its IoT connectivity to more than 70% of the V-16 hazard warning devices currently certified by the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT).
V-16 hazard warning devices will be mandatory in Spain from 1 January 2026 and will replace triangles as the method for signalling a vehicle stopped on the road. They use flashing orange lights to indicate the position of a vehicle that has stopped due to a breakdown or accident to other drivers and anonymously communicate the position to the DGT platform in order to optimise traffic management and alert vehicles approaching that point on the road.
Telefónica Tech currently has agreements in place with more than 30 manufacturers of V-16 connected beacons to provide IoT connectivity services. Telefónica Tech’s connectivity proposal provides coverage throughout the country and, through the IoT Data Ready service of its Kite platform, guarantees the secure transmission of data from the beacon to the DGT servers, while reducing the device’s battery consumption and extending its useful life.
Telefónica Tech also makes the capabilities of it’s The ThinX laboratory available to beacon manufacturers. The ThinX is a co-creation space serving customers and partners to jointly develop and test products prior to mass deployment, as well as to certify the quality of the connectivity service as a preliminary step to approval by the DGT. In addition, thanks to The ThinX’s design capabilities, Telefónica Tech provides the printed circuit board (PCB) with all the electronic components of the device for assembly, as well as the complete customisable beacon for those customers who require it, thus adapting to the specific needs of each project.
José Manuel Caramés, Head Sales Consulting IoT at Telefónica Tech, says: ‘We are very proud that the manufacturers of V-16 connected beacons are relying on our managed connectivity to increase road safety and ultimately promote more modern, efficient and safer mobility.’
Telefónica Tech’s IoT connectivity management has been recognised as a leader by analyst firms such as Gartner, Kaleido Intelligence and Juniper Research, which have highlighted both its ability to develop comprehensive connectivity solutions and the scalability, flexibility and functionalities of the Kite managed connectivity platform.
Connected beacons at Movistar
In Spain, Movistar offers the V-16 emergency beacon certified with Telefónica Tech technology that facilitates IoT connectivity for accurate and anonymous geolocation. The device includes a SIM card valid for 12 years at no additional cost. This beacon, available to residential customers as well as the self-employed, SMEs and businesses, not only emits an emergency light signal but is also connected to the DGT 3.0 platform and incorporates a geolocation system which, once activated, sends the vehicle’s location to that platform.
Both Movistar customers and non-customers can purchase this beacon through more than 800 Movistar stores, on the movistar.es website, the Mi Movistar app or by calling 1004. In addition, Movistar customers can find it in the miMovistar device catalogue.
Benefits of V-16 devices
V-16 advance warning devices provide greater safety and comfort for drivers, as they can be installed on the roof of the vehicle without the need to leave the vehicle, thus avoiding risky situations.
The mandatory use of V-16 signs from 1 January 2026 also means that connectivity will be available to all vehicles and drivers thanks to the universality of the device (it can be used by drivers with reduced mobility who are unable to get out of the vehicle and move around easily to place the triangle).
The connection between the beacon and the DGT platform provides information about vehicles to reduce the surprise effect and decrease the likelihood of collisions on the road.
