Nokia, AT&T partner to deploy private 4G+ LTE wireless network in Mexico
Nokia and AT&T have partnered to provide a robust, secure private “4.9G” LTE wireless connectivity solution at the APM Terminals facility in Puerto Progreso, Yucatan. The solution will use Nokia’s Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) platform to connect and manage maritime terminal operations through the use of faster wireless networks as well as edge computing services.
According to the companies, this project marks a significant milestone for Nokia and AT&T in their efforts to help digitize port operations in the area. APM Terminals is a leading provider of container terminal services and this partnership will help them further extend their reach in the region.
The new private wireless network at APM Terminals’ terminal in Puerto Progreso, Yucatan, will provide broadband connectivity, lower latency and more reliable service, the companies say. Meanwhile, Nokia DAC, a cloud solution that provides end-to-end connectivity and edge computing capabilities, will enable the terminal to digitalize its operations.
It will connect hundreds of workers, sensors, equipment, and vehicles securely and reliably across an area of 11.5 hectares.
“The successful deployment of the private wireless network at Puerto Progreso is a key milestone in our digital transformation journey,” said Edgar Perez, Managing Director, APM Terminals Mexico. “It will enable us to further increase our operational efficiency and flexibility and improve safety for our workers.”
Puerto Progreso is the first terminal in Mexico to install an industrial-grade LTE private network. While many Smart Port projects are touting 5G networks, the APM project is using an upgraded version of 4G LTE technology. Nokia’s 4.9G offering provides speeds of up to 3Gbps while enabling customers to use existing LTE-compatible devices.
“This has been the first Private Cellular Network for AT&T Mexico Business Unit. The needs and demands of our customers are always evolving, though, and we’re upgrading with them,” stated Gabriel Fernández, innovation & IoT director at AT&T Mexico. “Private networks are increasingly important for businesses — especially in Industry 4.0 environments with many connected devices, where privacy, data control and performance are all crucial.”
Nokia DAC will enable future use cases such as remote and autonomous crane operations within the piers and yards and other use cases.
APM Terminals is one of the globe’s leading container terminal operators, operating in 130 countries. The APM Terminal in Yucatán is the only container terminal in Puerto Progreso, a deep-water port in southeastern Mexico. The key logistics location is home to almost 13 million Mexicans and serves as a shipping resource for the Yucatán peninsula.
“The U.S. — Mexico — Canada free trade agreement (USMCA) accelerates investment and boosts the digital transformation of the logistic chain, including the support to maritime terminals,” stated Marcelo Entreconti, head of enterprise for Nokia’s Latin America operations.
“With this project, APM Terminals confirms its leadership in the digitalization of port operations in Latin America.”
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Article Topics
4G | AT&T | LTE | Nokia | private wireless
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