The partnership will combine BT’s know-how in developing converged fixed and mobile networks with the 5G network technology and enterprise solutions of Ericsson
Ericsson partners with BT to provide commercial 5G private networks in UK. (Credit: Arild Vågen/Wikimedia Commons)
BT and Ericsson have forged a multi-million-pound partnership for delivering commercial 5G private networks to business and enterprise customers across the UK.
The partnership will enable BT to offer next-generation mobile network technology products to customers engaged in manufacturing, education, defense, healthcare, retail, logistics, and transport.
It will combine the expertise of BT in developing converged fixed and mobile networks with Ericsson’s 5G network technology and enterprise solutions.
BT’s Division X managing director Marc Overton said: “This UK-first deal 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.
“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.”
The private network to be offered is Ericsson Private 5G, which is said to be a fit-for-purpose, agile, and dedicated private network solution.
It is claimed to give high-performing indoor and outdoor 5G cellular coverage.
Ericsson Private 5G is designed to be used in environments like education campuses, factories, and other large sites where security and ultra-low latency connectivity are crucial.
Ericsson UK and Ireland CEO Katherine Ainley said: “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.”
BT and Ericsson have already collaborated on various projects that incorporate private 5G networks. One of them is at Belfast Harbour in Northern Ireland, where they installed a 5G private network across 35 acres of the operational port.
Earlier this year, Ericsson partnered with Rogers Communications to launch the first commercial 5G standalone network in Canada.