Belfast Harbour to use private 5G network to become a regional smart port
Belfast Harbour has installed private wireless 5G networks over 35 acres of operational port to accelerate the ambition to become a regional smart port. The use of a private 5G network will drive operational efficiencies and enable digital transformation to automate processes across transportation, logistics, supply chain, and shipping. The private 5G networks will also boost the productivity of the busy port that manages over 24 million tons of goods every year, according to port officials.
The Belfast Harbour private 5G network is made possible because of the multi-million pound collaboration between BT and Ericsson to enable private 5G networks for enterprises. Leveraging BT’s expertise in building converged fixed and mobile networks along with Ericsson’s 5G network technology and enterprise solutions to optimize business operations and cost savings.
“Throughout 2021 and to the end of 2022, we will have completed the implementation of both Public and Private 5G Networks. These are the foundation for several Smart and Green port initiatives, including; CCTV cameras, air quality monitors, drones, MiFi units to maximize operational efficiencies and a Digital Twin. The technologies have supported our data collection on the movement of people and things through our road traffic screens, wayfinding app and a community app for traffic,” says Mike Dawson, corporate services sirector, Belfast Harbour Commissioners.
According to new research from International Data Corporation (IDC), the forecasted worldwide private wireless infrastructure revenue will reach $8.3 billion by 2026 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35.7% over the 2022-2026 forecast period. The Ericsson and BT partnership, said to be “the first agreement of its kind in the country,” will provide high cellular coverage for indoor and outdoor use cases in factories, education campuses, and other large sites where low latency is important.
“The high quality, fast and secure connectivity provided by Ericsson Private 5G can help organizations make all-important efficiency gains that can create safer, more productive, and sustainable business operations and help the country build global leaders in the industries and technologies of the future,” said Katherine Ainley, CEO Ericsson UK and Ireland.
Private 5G networks have come an essential requirement for low-latency applications that can be configured according to enterprise needs (unlike a public network) for applications across IoT, AR/VR, edge computing, and AI to open new use cases in an industrial environment. The development of fast and recur connectivity along with tailored infrastructure enable enterprises to build more productive and sustainable business operations.
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Article Topics
5G | Belfast Harbour | BT | Ericsson | ESG | IoT | private wireless | Smart Port
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