Virgin Media O2 Business Launch UK Portable 5G Private Network

Broadband and mobile giant Virgin Media O2 Business (VMO2) has today announced somewhat of a UK first by becoming the first telecoms operator to launch a commercially-available portable 5G private network (PN), which is currently under trial at a number of UK businesses and harnesses Nokia’s 5G Standalone (SA) tech.

Once plugged in, the new portable network enables companies to immediately access 5G connectivity at the flick of a switch, without the time and expense of building an entire network themselves. As the picture shows, the unit is only slightly larger than a carry-on airline bag, albeit perhaps a bit more on the delicate side.

Since the first trials of the portable solution, VMO2 Business has developed and deployed two 5G SA PN boxes. Telefónica’s innovation arm, Wayra – home to the first trial – has been using the network since last summer, enabling customers and small businesses to experience it first-hand.

For example, Mobilus Labs, an organisation using advanced voice technology to enable industrial teams to communicate (mobiTALK) in environments with extreme noise (85 dB+), has taken part in the trial. To ensure safe interactions between people and devices on sites like construction, manufacturing and healthcare locations, Mobilus Labs requires fast internet speeds and secure connections, which the private 5G network can provide.

Further trials with companies offering products ranging from Virtual Reality (VR) applications to Internet of Things (IoT) services have already shown benefits including high reliability, enhanced data security, and ultra-low latency. The product can also be deployed in rural locations, or places where public network access to 5G may be more limited – “meaning businesses of any size and in any location can now instantly tap into private 5G connectivity.”

Jo Bertram, MD at VMO2 Business, said:

“Moving beyond trials, Virgin Media O2 Business is now the UK’s first telco to offer a portable commercial 5G Standalone Private Network. Britain is a hub for innovation, so it’s crucial that companies operating here can access the connectivity needed to create new experiences for customers. From start-ups to large enterprises, our latest network solution will enable 5G trials and deployment without the time or cost of building a whole network. Removing barriers, like location and cost, to ensure that businesses get the connection they need.”

We should point out that various other vendors, not only Nokia, are also developing private 5G-in-a-box style products. So, while VMO2 might be the first one out of the gate, it certainly won’t be the last.