As the tolling industry continues to evolve, innovation is key to staying ahead. At the forefront of this innovation is Terje Nortvedt Andersen, Product Manager at Q-Free, who brings 25 years of experience in semiconductor and industrial electronics.

In this article, Terje shares his insights into the future of tolling technology, discussing the role of Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC) and Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in shaping the industry. He also highlights the importance of collaboration and a strong team dynamic in driving technological advancements. Learn how Q-Free is adapting its hardware solutions to meet the demands of an ever-changing market, ensuring that it remains a leader in tolling technology.

Terje, can you tell us about your background and experience in the industry?
“I’ve spent 25 years in the semiconductor and industrial electronics industries, working in roles ranging from design engineer to project manager and product manager. This diverse experience has given me a deep understanding of both development and market needs. Over the years, I’ve always sought opportunities that combine my technical and commercial expertise to make an impact in product development.”

What led you to join Q-Free, and what role do you play in the company?
“Before joining Q-Free, I was looking for an organization that needed a professional with my broad background in industrial electronics, spanning both development and marketing. Q-Free’s need for someone with these skills turned out to be a perfect match. I initially joined as Technical Project Manager to lead a project developing an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), aimed at improving the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and security of our tolling tags. Today, I’m the Product Manager for tolling hardware, overseeing the development and industrialization of new solutions that will further enhance our tolling hardware portfolio.”

What have been some of your most significant achievements at Q-Free so far?
“Among my proudest achievements at Q-Free is leading the development of hardware, firmware, and test platforms for two new On-Board Unit (OBU) products. These solutions, which include the next generation of tolling OBUs and products tailored for Road User Charging (RUC) and Fleet Management, have the potential to revolutionize the industry. We’re seeing increased attention to RUC in cities, with large-scale pilots in planning stages to use Q-Free’s RUC solutions to enhance traffic management. Additionally, fleet management offers substantial benefits for both fleet owners and drivers, which we’re excited to bring to market.”

What sets Q-Free’s tolling hardware technology apart from the competition?
“Q-Free’s tolling hardware stands out in terms of performance, power efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Our platform provides a solid foundation for further development, especially through collaborations with our world-class partners. I’m proud to say that I believe we have the best development team in the world for tolling hardware and firmware. Their expertise ensures we continue to deliver industry-leading products.”

What are some of the most important industry and technology trends shaping the tolling sector today?
“The tolling industry is being shaped by major technological and macroeconomic trends. One key challenge is the evolution of the radio spectrum. With increasing demand from mobile communications and WLAN, the industry must adapt, particularly with technologies like DSRC, which is one of Q-Free’s core strengths. We’re working proactively to develop robust solutions that will ensure reliability in the face of these changes.

Another significant trend is the growing role of GNSS in tolling. GNSS technology enables global positioning, navigation, and timing, and its evolving use is impacting the balance between technologies like DSRC, ALPR (Automatic License Plate Recognition), and GNSS-based tolling. At Q-Free, we’re focused on developing next-generation GNSS solutions as part of our RUC initiatives.

On a broader scale, the automotive sector faces challenges, especially in Europe, while there’s a push to bring electronics production back to domestic markets. Additionally, data security and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations are gaining importance. Companies will need to prioritize clear ESG standards and robust data security to remain competitive, not just on price but also on sustainability and reliability.”

Where do you see the tolling industry heading over the next 5-10 years?
“While some market reports predict otherwise, I believe the DSRC industry will continue to grow over the next decade. If it adapts effectively to changes in the radio spectrum, DSRC will remain a highly cost-efficient and reliable solution for tolling.

GNSS will also play an increasingly important role, particularly if we can reduce its power consumption for battery-operated devices. Q-Free is actively innovating in this space, and I’m confident we will emerge as a leader in GNSS-based tolling solutions.

Looking further ahead, I believe companies that invest in R&D, technology innovation, sustainability, and robust security will be the ones that lead the industry. At Q-Free, we are committed to being an adaptable and innovative partner for our customers as we navigate the evolving landscape. It’s an exciting time to be in the tolling industry, and I’m proud to be part of Q-Free as we drive meaningful change.”