Introduction: Virgin Media O2 Business is setting a milestone in the UK’s telecommunications sector by unveiling a commercial 5G Standalone (SA) Private Network (PN) that offers an instantaneous connection experience.

Instantaneous 5G Connection: A notable feature of the new network is its plug-and-play convenience. Businesses can now sidestep the traditionally lengthy and costly process of setting up an entire network. Instead, they can plug in this device, which is compactly sized like a carry-on bag, and switch on 5G connectivity.

Empowering Diverse Business Needs: The product’s versatility means it’s not just for tech-savvy individuals. It empowers businesses, ranging from tech innovators to established enterprises, granting them the capability to harness a swift and secure 5G network tailored to their specifications.

Innovation in Action: Virgin Media O2 Business, having successfully trialed this groundbreaking solution, has put into operation two 5G SA PN platforms. One significant early adopter, Telefónica’s Wayra, has been using this network to facilitate its clientele’s exploration of 5G SA applications. Among the beneficiaries at Wayra’s London hub is Mobilus Labs, which harnesses advanced voice technology to facilitate communication in high-noise settings. Such use cases underline the network’s potential to offer high reliability, formidable data security, and ultra-low latency.

Tech Behind the Solution: By integrating the Nokia Digital Automation Cloud (DAC) and Nokia MX Industrial Edge (MXIE), Virgin Media O2 Business has set another precedent as the maiden UK telco to weave MXIE into its wireless offerings. This integration facilitates on-site real-time data processing, thereby eliminating the need for data to be relayed back to a public cloud application. As a result, the complexities and cost implications of critical networking are notably reduced. This positions businesses across diverse sectors like healthcare, construction, and manufacturing on the fast track to digital transformation.

5G Accessibility Beyond Urban Spaces: One of the game-changing features of this product is its adaptability for demonstrations of 5G SA capabilities. Businesses, irrespective of their size or geographic location, can now engage in hands-on testing for applications related to Artificial Intelligence, IoT, VR, and Industry 4.0 robotics. The compact design of the product is a boon, extending 5G connectivity to areas with restricted public network access.

Industry Voices:

• Tony Blackburn of Mobilus Labs emphasized the transformative potential of the portable 5G SA PN in enhancing internet connectivity across industrial landscapes.
• Jo Bertram of Virgin Media O2 Business highlighted the company’s pioneering role in providing a feasible solution to businesses, allowing them to sidestep traditional barriers.
• Phil Siveter of Nokia UK&I underscored Nokia’s commitment to driving enterprise goals through resilient, high-performance, and secure networking solutions.
• Bruno Moraes of Wayra UK lauded the plug-and-play private network as a revolutionary move, especially for businesses operating in challenging environments.