Tacoma Tideflats’ Launches Private 5G Network

Discover how the Tacoma Tideflats is harnessing the power of a Private 5G Network to modernize enterprises and spur technological innovation across multiple industries.
Tacoma Tideflats' Launches Private 5G Network
Image Credit: Port of Tacoma

Expanding the Horizon with Private 5G: A New Dawn at Tacoma Tideflats

The Tacoma Tideflats area is on the brink of a technological revolution with the launch of an innovative Private 5G Network. This pioneering project, led by the 5G Open Innovation Lab and its partners, marks a significant milestone in leveraging cutting-edge technology to reshape the business landscape.

Bridging the Technological Gap: The Tacoma Tideflats Challenge


Before the introduction of this private 5G network, businesses in Tacoma Tideflats faced a technology gap. Existing network infrastructures were not equipped to handle the increasing data demands and complex operations of modern enterprises, leading to inefficiencies and limited growth potential.

5G: A Game-Changing Solution for Tacoma’s Enterprises

The solution was a tailor-made 5G Private Network, designed to address the specific needs of local enterprises. This network’s ingenious use of existing structures for deployment exemplifies cost-effective and efficient infrastructure implementation.

Proven Success: The Initial Triumphs of the 5G Network

The successful deployment across the East Blair Peninsula, covering key operational areas of the participating companies, serves as tangible evidence of the network’s effectiveness. It demonstrates the feasibility of leveraging 5G in complex industrial environments.

Technology Choice | Why 5G? The Strategic Choice Behind the Network

The decision to implement a 5G network was strategic, considering its capabilities in handling high data volumes, ensuring robust connectivity, and offering scalability options essential for enterprise growth.

Benefits: Beyond Connectivity

The private 5G network brings a plethora of benefits:

  • Enhanced operational efficiency with faster, reliable data transmission.
  • Improved safety protocols through real-time monitoring.
  • Significant contributions to ecological sustainability by optimizing resource usage.
  • Strengthened community health initiatives through better connectivity.

Redefining Industry Standards: The Broader Implications

This project positions Tacoma Tideflats as a technological frontrunner in North America, potentially influencing similar initiatives worldwide. It sets a benchmark for how private 5G networks can invigorate industrial areas.

The Driving Force: 5G Open Innovation Lab’s Pivotal Role

The 5G Open Innovation Lab’s role is crucial in creating a collaborative environment where startups, technology giants, and investors converge to explore and develop groundbreaking solutions.

Collaborative Synergy: The Strength of Partnerships

Partners like Washington Maritime Blue play a vital role in promoting data sharing and technological application in the maritime sector, which is vital for the Blue Economy.

Current State: The Network’s Operational Phase

The network is currently in a pilot phase, with plans for expansion based on initial success and feedback from the enterprises involved. Beginning with the feasibility study in 2022, the project has swiftly moved to an operational phase, fueled by strategic investments and a clear vision for the future.


Recent Content

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Mining

Winner: Ericsson


Ericsson has been recognized with the TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Private Network Excellence in Mining” for its innovative application of private 5G technology to transform mining operations. This accolade highlights Ericsson’s leadership in modernizing the mining sector through high-speed, secure, and low-latency connectivity that drives safety, operational efficiency, and automation. By delivering private 5G solutions, Ericsson is redefining the mining landscape, enabling digitalization, enhancing remote operation capabilities, and promoting sustainable practices in one of the world’s most challenging industrial environments.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Airports

Winner: Ericsson

Partner: Purdue University & Saab


Ericsson, in collaboration with Purdue University and Saab, has been honored with the 2024 TeckNexus Award for “Private Network Excellence in Airports” for deploying a private 5G network at Purdue University Airport, transforming it into a “living laboratory” for aviation innovation. This initiative sets a new standard for airport operations by enhancing connectivity, enabling real-time data communication, and supporting advanced aviation applications such as autonomous systems, flight operations management, drone detection, and electric aircraft charging. By optimizing operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability, the private 5G network addresses complex challenges in the aviation industry. This deployment underscores Ericsson’s leadership in leveraging private 5G technology to modernize airport environments, paving the way for smarter, safer, and more sustainable air travel solutions globally.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Education

Winner: InfiniG

Partner: Parkside Elementary School, Intel, AT&T, and T-Mobile


InfiniG’s Mobile Coverage-as-a-Service (MCaaS) solution has earned the 2024 TeckNexus “Private Network Excellence in Education” award for its transformative impact on student safety and connectivity at Parkside Elementary in Murray, Utah. This innovative deployment, completed in partnership with Intel, AT&T, and T-Mobile, provided comprehensive in-building mobile coverage to address critical safety and communication challenges for students, teachers, staff, and parents. By enhancing secure and connected educational environments, InfiniG’s solution exemplifies the potential of private networks to improve campus security and foster more connected learning experiences.

Award Category: Public/Private Network Excellence in Healthcare

Winners: LifeSigns, floLIVE & Hetrogenous


LifeSigns, in partnership with floLIVE and Hetrogenous, has been recognized with the TeckNexus 2024 Award for “Private Network Excellence in Healthcare” for their LifeConnect 5G IoT-powered Connected Ambulance Solution. This transformative technology enhances emergency medical response by enabling seamless real-time patient monitoring, secure data transmission, and uninterrupted communication between ambulances and hospital teams. By elevating healthcare standards and improving critical patient care during emergencies, LifeConnect exemplifies the impactful use of connectivity to drive advancements in healthcare delivery.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Public Safety

Winner: Cumucore

Partner: Ripsim, Mosolabs, Starlink


When Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina, it left behind severe physical destruction and a critical communication crisis, isolating communities from essential resources and emergency services. In response, Cumucore, in collaboration with Ripsim, Mosolabs, and Starlink, deployed a resilient and scalable private mobile network that rapidly restored essential connectivity where it was needed most. This innovative deployment earned Cumucore the 2024 TeckNexus “Private Network Excellence in Public Safety” award, recognizing their transformative use of private network technology to enhance disaster response and ensure reliable communication for affected areas during emergencies.

Award Category: Private Network Excellence in Agriculture

Winner: Invences &

Partner: Trilogy Networks


Invences Inc., in collaboration with Trilogy Networks, has been recognized with the 2024 TeckNexus “Private Network Excellence in Agriculture” award for their pioneering deployment of a private 5G network tailored to transform farming operations. Implemented at a large-scale agricultural project in Fargo, North Dakota, this innovative collaboration drives digital transformation in agriculture through precision farming, real-time monitoring, AI-driven insights, and seamless data integration across rural and remote environments. Their efforts exemplify how 5G technology can revolutionize agricultural productivity and sustainability, setting new standards for efficiency and innovation in the sector.

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