BT and Ericsson have signed a multi-million pound joint partnership to provide commercial 5G Private Networks in the UK, making it the first agreement of its kind in the country.
The deal will enable BT to sell its mobile technology products to businesses and companies across many industries including manufacturing, defence, education, retail, healthcare, transport and logistics.
MarketResearch.com predicts 5G Private Networks should grow at an average rate of 40 per cent a year between 2021 and 2028, with BT and Ericsson believing there is a huge demand from UK businesses who want this new technology.
Private Networks are wireless solutions providing 5G cellular coverage in areas such as factories, campuses and large sites where security and ultra-low latency connectivity is required.
BT’s managing director for Division X Enterprise, Marc Overton said: “We have combined our skill and expertise at building converged fixed and mobile networks with Ericsson’s leading, sustainable and secure 5G network equipment, to offer a pioneering new proposition that will be attractive to many industries.
“5G private networks will also support smart factory processes and the advancement of Industry 4.0 which can realise significant cost savings and efficiencies for manufacturers.
“Unlike a public network, a private 5G network can be configured to a specific business’s needs, as well as by individual site or location.
“They also provide the foundation to overlay other innovative technologies such as IoT, AI, VR and AR, opening up a multitude of possibilities.”
Ericsson CEO UK & Ireland Katherine Ainley added: “This ground-breaking 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 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.”