BT Group has conducted a significant trial of 5G Standalone (SA) network slicing capabilities over the EE mobile network in Belfast. Announced as a real-world undertaking, this trial supported faster mobile payment solutions at Belfast’s Christmas Market. By dedicating a slice of the 5G network to Lavery’s Beer Tent, it facilitated seamless and rapid payment processing for eight mobile payment terminals.
This initiative marks the first business use of a partitioned slice from EE’s public network, signifying the emergence of network slicing as a tangible benefit from BT’s September launch of 5G SA technology. Network slicing offers customers dedicated, protected slices of the network, ensuring improved performance and reduced latency.
BT’s trial successfully addressed typical network congestion issues during busy events, thus maintaining consistent and efficient connectivity. Paul Murnaghan, BT’s Northern Ireland Director, emphasized, “Businesses increasingly rely on technology that’s able to cope with the demands of the ever-pervasive digital world, securely. Network slicing helps tackle this problem by enabling consistently fast and smooth connectivity, giving certainty to both traders and customers.”
Looking ahead, EE, a part of BT Group, plans to expand its 5G coverage nationwide by 2028. Greg McCall, BT Group’s Chief Networks Officer, supports this vision, noting that EE’s 5G network already covers nearly 80% of the UK population, enhancing accessibility even in smaller communities and popular rural areas.
Small cells play an essential role in this setup, managing capacity loads in crowded areas to ensure full network performance. EE’s 5G SA network currently spans 15 cities, including Leeds, Birmingham, and Manchester, and aims to double this coverage by year-end.
Furthermore, EE hopes to harness AI and machine learning through its network. These technologies promise to boost reliability and energy efficiency by optimizing network activity based on actual usage demands.
