The telecommunications and technology firms have signed a multi-year contract that will enable BT to sell Ericsson products to businesses and organisations in sectors such as manufacturing, defence, education, retail, healthcare, transport and logistics.
Private networks are wireless solutions that provide secure indoor and outdoor 5G cellular coverage. These networks are suitable for a range of uses in environments such as factories, education campuses and other large sites where security and ultra-low latency connectivity are important.
Marc Overton, managing director for Division X, enterprise, BT, said, “This UK-first we have signed with Ericsson is a huge milestone and will play a major role in enabling businesses’ transformation, ushering in a new era of hyper-connected spaces.
“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.”
Katherine Ainley, CEO, Ericsson UK and Ireland, 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.”
This new partnership follows BT’s recent announcement that it is investing almost £100 million over the next three years in its ‘Division X’ unit to accelerate the development of customer solutions which integrate emerging technologies like 5G, IoT, edge compute, cloud and AI.
BT and Ericsson have already collaborated on projects incorporating private 5G networks, including Belfast Harbour in Northern Ireland. The partners installed a 5G private network across 35 acres of operational port, which is driving operational efficiencies and accelerating digital transformation.
Mike Dawson, corporate services director, Belfast Harbour Commissioners, explained, “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 maximise 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.”
In the image above, Paul Murnaghan, regional director for BT’s Enterprise division in Northern Ireland, is pictured with Joe O’Neill, chief executive of Belfast Harbour.