This is how European mobile operators could rejuvenate retailers, workforces and culture with 5G SA
New uses cases for 5G Standalone (5G SA) networks have emerged after Singapore’s Singtel mobile operator unveiled some of the new business models built on Ericsson’s new radio access network (RAN) foundations. These include 5G-powered Remote Racing, 4K live streaming, improvements to the remote office hybrid working model and the creation of new arts and culture experiences.
The Singapore-based mobile operator disclosed that it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ericsson to collaborate on the development and deployment of advanced 5G enterprise solutions in Singapore. The agreement will allow companies to use Ericsson’s technology expertise and Singtel’s 5G network, test facilities and know how. Some of the first inventive uses of Ericsson’s 5G foundations have been unveiled.
Singtel’s vision of the future of hybrid work probably has the most immediate uses. With no obvious end to the Covid crisis in sight, European nations are particularly interested in developing safe and practical ways to manage their work force. Singtel has teamed with Samsung and Zoom to create a Productivity Data Pass plan using 5G SA. This offers data-free usage of Zoom, enabling operators to connect companies, cross party collaborators and families seamlessly and without lag – it claims. The proposal used Samsung devices such as DeX to show how users can set up virtual workstations.
Another use case for European mobile operators is the ‘Enhanced arts and culture experience’. In the demo this involved collaboration with the National Gallery of Singapore and various theatres to deliver cultural and art experiences over 5G. The demo showed how the Singtel Special Exhibition Gallery and the Singtel Waterfront Theatre could be made more accessible and the culture event could be experience more vividly when it opens officially in 2022. The use of 5G SA could stop the distance between artists and performers from becoming a passion killer by making 5G a more sensual experience.
The details of remote retail
The Ericsson-built 5G SA infrastructure was the enabler of a new retail model in another demo which used 4K live streaming to bring Singapore’s first underwater 5G livestream aquarium footage to Unboxed, Singtel’s unmanned pop-up retail store. The demo showed how remote consumers may immerse themselves among manta rays, sharks and shoals of fish in vivid 4K resolution. Singtel also used a demo at Southside, Sentosa to argue that professional racing of remote-controlled cars can become a more viable activity if 5G can make it a more is a more sensual, lag-free experience.
Singtel launched its 5G SA network in May, via a partnership with Korean company Samsung. The 5G SA sites run on 3.5 GHz spectrum. As part of its 5G SA deployment, Singtel has already deployed over 1,000 5G sites across Singapore. Singtel initially launched its 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) network in September of 2020, using spectrum in the 3.5 GHz frequency as well as existing 2.1 GHz spectrum.
Yuen Kuan Moon, CEO of Singtel enthused about 5G’s “potential to transform business models as the country moves into post-COVID recovery.” The strategic reset must focus on 5G, Yuen Kuan Moon said.