BT has signed a multi-million-pound agreement with Ericsson to deliver commercial private 5G networks across the UK.
This pioneering partnership — the first of its kind in the UK — combines BT’s experience in building converged fixed and mobile networks with Ericsson’s 5G network technology and enterprise solutions to offer tailored private 5G services for businesses and public sector organisations.
Katherine Ainley, CEO of Ericsson UK & Ireland, said:
“This groundbreaking agreement with BT means we are together taking a leading role in ensuring 5G has a transformative impact for the UK.
The high-quality, fast, and secure connectivity provided by Ericsson Private 5G can help organisations make essential efficiency gains that create safer, more productive, and more sustainable operations and help the country build global leaders in the industries and technologies of the future.”
Market forecasts expect private 5G networks to grow at an average rate of around 40% per year between 2021 and 2028, reaching a market value near $14 billion (£10.7 billion) by the end of that period.
Earlier this month, BT announced a £100 million investment over three years in its Division X unit, which focuses on accelerating enterprise digital transformation using emerging technologies such as 5G, AI, edge computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Marc Overton, BT Managing Director for Division X, Enterprise, commented:
“This UK-first agreement with Ericsson is a major milestone that will help enable business transformation and usher in a new era of hyperconnected spaces.
We have combined our capability in building converged fixed and mobile networks with Ericsson’s leading, secure, and sustainable 5G equipment to offer a pioneering proposition attractive to many industries. Private 5G networks will support smart factory processes and advance Industry 4.0, delivering significant cost savings and efficiencies for manufacturers.
Unlike public networks, private 5G networks can be configured to meet a specific organisation’s needs at a site or location level. They also form a platform to overlay other innovative technologies such as IoT, AI, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), opening a wide range of possibilities.”
BT and Ericsson have already collaborated on several private 5G projects that demonstrate the technology’s potential.
One notable deployment converted Belfast Harbour into a smart port. Ericsson and BT deployed a private 5G network across 35 acres to improve operational efficiency and speed the port’s digital transformation.
Mike Dawson, Corporate Services Director at the Belfast Harbour Commissioners, said:
“Throughout 2021 and into 2022, we completed implementation of both public and private 5G networks.
These networks underpin several smart and green port initiatives, including CCTV, air quality monitoring, drone operations, MiFi units to maximise operational efficiency, and a digital twin.
The technologies have helped us collect data on the movement of people and goods, feeding our road traffic screens, wayfinding app, and community traffic app.”
Ericsson has also been active across Europe. Recently, the company announced plans to hire an additional 250 people at its R&D centre in Athlone, Ireland, to support projects tied to 5G growth. Earlier, Ericsson joined with Deutsche Telekom to trial sustainable 5G site technologies.
(Image Credit: Matt Mackey / Press Eye Picture)
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