BT And Ericsson Partner To Build 5G Network Across The UK

The 5G network in the UK continues to be built. (photo: doc. pixabay)

JAKARTA - Telecommunications company BT, formerly British Telecom, and Ericsson have entered into a multi-million pound partnership to offer private 5G networks to businesses across the UK, enabling them to deploy the Internet of Things and other technologies quickly and securely.

Private 5G networks mirror public 5G, but connectivity is limited to a group of devices in special spaces, such as factories, ports, or campuses, where 5G security and ultra-low latency can be fully utilized in additional services.

Marc Overton, Managing Director of BT's Division X, Enterprise, said the British company is working closely with Sweden's Ericsson, a leader in 5G technology, both in deploying and operating the network, and also in putting applications on top.

The partners have collaborated on several major projects incorporating private 5G networks, including the Port of Belfast in Northern Ireland.

They have installed private 5G networks across 35 hectares of operational ports, driving operational efficiencies and optimizing processes across transportation, logistics, supply chain and shipping, he said.

“We are now entering phase two of the project and this includes a wide range of use cases such as heavy plant machine teleoperation, artificial reality (AR) for remote maintenance, as well as enhanced AI video analytics and the use of drones for surveillance and inspections,” Overton said. .

Under the new deal, the partners will focus on implementing 5G technology in sectors including healthcare, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, sites such as shopping malls or large stadiums, and ports.