Ericsson has been working with Finnish mobile operator Elisa on piloting a private 4G network, which the operator could sell onto its enterprise customers in the future.
The pilot trials took place at Elisa’s Finland facilities.
Private networks, which enable local control by an enterprise, can be tailored to an organisation’s specific applications and business platforms. As private networks are closed, only specifically defined devices and connections can access them. According to Ericsson, such private networks provide greater security and an increased capacity for high demand.
Recent research from Capgemini found that a third of industrial companies plan to apply for a private 5G licence. Large companies are most likely to go this route, with 47% saying they’re interested in the idea.
Executives from 800 companies in 12 countries surveyed by Capgemini said investment in private 5G licences would be driven by a desire for greater autonomy and security, combined with concerns about telecom operators being too slow in rolling-out 5G public networks
Greater autonomy and security
Eetu Prieur, Director of Mobile Solutions at Elisa, said, ”Private networks are expected to spread throughout different industries. Forerunner companies have already identified the benefits of private networks: guaranteed capacity, reliability and security.”
The pilot tests were conducted using a pre-packaged Ericsson Private Network solution, including Ericsson Enterprise Core, Router 6000 and Radio Dot System for indoor coverage.
Manuel Ruiz, Head of Mission Critical & Private Networks at Ericsson, commented, “The Ericsson Private Networks solution comes at a time when capacity, security, and other critical communication needs are prompting industries to seek out their own private networks.
With their own dedicated networks for enterprises, Elisa will be able to better adapt their service to specific industrial customer needs.”
Ericsson has already deployed private networks at several industrial sites including utility companies, mines, ports, airports, and factories. In June, Ericsson and Vodafone Deutschland secured a private network contract with microcar company e.Go Mobile AG.