01732 759725 08 OPINION is because a WiFi network only extends 150 to 300 feet from its broadcast point and requires boosters to extend further. In comparison, a Private Wireless 5G network can cover thousands of square feet, making it a game-changer for businesses spread across large sites. Moreover, unlike WiFi spectrums, 5G is broadcast on an uncontended frequency, meaning it is owned and licenced on the basis that no one else can broadcast into that space. Add scale to guaranteed connectivity and manoeuvrability and it’s clear that Private Wireless 5G networks could be the key that enables larger sites to adopt full automation. They would allow the utilisation of robots and drones across a full site without fear of network drop-off due to distance or another user launching a WiFi hotspot, both of which could result in bandwidth contention, interrupted/ inconsistent service and accidents. Private Wireless 5G networks have the ability to revolutionise the way sites such as ports, warehouses, industrial facilities, distribution facilities and stadiums operate. t Cyber Security In a world of hacks, ransomware and cyber security breaches, a Private Wireless 5G network has significant digital security benefits as it’s a closed network controlled and managed by the issuing of networkspecific SIM cards or eSIMs that act as keys to the network. Unlike a mobile phone, which uses a SIM card with a 5G frequency to connect via a service provider to the world wide web, the networks we create are designed to connect only to specific devices via specific SIM cards/eSIMs. This increases connectivity and security. y Freeing up bandwidth The first five benefits relate directly to the way Private Wireless 5G networks operate. The sixth, often overlooked, is the impact that moving traffic from an existing network onto a Private Wireless 5G network has on users of the original network. Consider, for example, a hospital WiFi network that is used by patients and staff and for the connectivity of medical devices, communications equipment, hospital records and the entertainment systems offered to patients. That level of use can put a serious strain on network bandwidth, leading to limitations. We are currently looking at use cases for installing a Private Wireless 5G network that connects specific areas of a hospital’s digital infrastructure. Using a private wireless network to connect medical devices, hospital records and onsite communications equipment could improve internal connectivity and free up the wider WiFi network for other users. The opportunities offered by Private Wireless 5G are almost endless. That’s why I’d always encourage businesses to speak to an expert and share their objectives. You may be surprised at the impact the technology can have and how it can improve productivity and support business growth. continued... mobile network, small cells are installed on existing street infrastructure, including red phone kiosks, BT digital street hubs and lampposts, to boost mobile capacity in busy areas. In addition to new 4G small cell sites in Cardiff, Dundee, Luton, Norwich and Stokeon-Trent and in tourist hotspots like Torbay and Cumbria, EE has installed its first 5G small cells as part of a trial taking place in the London Borough of Croydon. Seven sites, including four along Croydon’s busy London Road, are now live and seeing over 3TB of traffic daily. Greg McCall, Chief Networks Officer at BT Group, said: “Small cells are an integral component within our mobile network, ensuring that even in the busiest places our customers have access to the full performance of the UK’s best network. To reach 1,000 deployments, including our first 5G sites, demonstrates our commitment to delivering unrivalled mobile connectivity to all four corners of the UK.” EE uses advanced network analytics to identify specific locations that would benefit from the performance boost enabled by a small cell and then works with partners Nokia and Ericsson to deploy the solution. Customers benefit from speeds of up to 300Mbps for 4G cells and 600Mbps for 5G. Gavin Jones, Channel Director of BT Wholesale, has welcomed EE’s ongoing deployment of street-level miniature mobile masts, known as small cells, including its first 5G sites in Croydon, London. Commenting on the news that the mobile network has completed 400 small cell deployments in the last 12 months, bringing its UK total to more than 1,000, Jones said: “In a digital society, 4G and increasingly 5G connectivity is more important than ever. As operators, we must focus on improving network capacity, latency and quality for the increasing demand and utilisation being witnessed. These trials show that small cells can be the key to optimising and increasing capacity within built-up areas and buildings with dense populations.” He added: “Channel providers must ensure they are partnering with operators that can help them deliver their end-to-end mobile mission, through a combination of in-depth technical knowledge and vast industry experience.” An integral component of BT Group’s Tackling congestion in Croydon EE adds 400 small cells to mobile network, including first 5G deployments BT Street Hubs, which provide communities with public Wi-Fi, local advertising and public information, are also being used to extend EE’s mobile network capability with 4G and 5G mini cells. Photo shows Bas Burger, CEO – Business at BT, and Stephen Miron, CEO of Global Group, earlier this year shaking hands on a 10-year deal to convert 2,000 BT pay phones and kiosks into Street Hubs in more than 20 towns and cities across the UK. Gavin Jones BT Wholesale
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