BT Group recently tested 5G network slicing over EE’s 5G Standalone (SA) network at the bustling Belfast Christmas Market. This innovation aimed to improve the speed and reliability of mobile and card payments in the Lavery’s Beer Tent.
What is 5G Network Slicing and How Does It Work?
Network slicing is a key 5G SA feature that allows telecom operators to carve out separate, virtualized networks within the physical infrastructure. Each slice is customizable, enabling businesses to prioritize specific needs, such as low-latency or high-bandwidth services.
This capability ensures that critical services, such as mobile payments, maintain high performance, even in busy environments like public events or markets.
BT’s Successful 5G Trial at Belfast Christmas Market
During the two-week trial at the Christmas market, BT created a dedicated 5G network slice specifically for Lavery’s Beer Tent. The slice supported the eight mobile payment terminals used by the business, ensuring faster transaction processing.
According to Paul Murnaghan, BT’s Northern Ireland director, network slicing played a pivotal role in addressing common payment issues at crowded events, where the network may otherwise become congested. ““Network slicing helps tackle this problem by enabling consistently fast and smooth connectivity, critically giving certainty to both traders and customers,” said Murnaghan.
The Benefits of 5G Standalone (SA) Network for Retail and Payments
The successful deployment of 5G SA network slicing marks a significant milestone for both BT and EE, as it is the first time a business has benefited from an isolated slice of EE’s public network with live 5G SA core support. This trial is expected to encourage broader adoption of 5G network slicing by businesses, particularly in retail and service environments that require fast, reliable payment processing.
The Growing Role of 5G SA Network Slicing in UK Telecoms
EE launched its 5G SA network in September, making it the third UK carrier to offer this service. EE’s 5G SA service is available in 15 cities, including Belfast, and the network slice trial at the Christmas market demonstrates the practical application of this advanced technology. Prior to this, Vodafone had also explored network slicing at Glastonbury Festival to support seamless payments.
5G network slicing is poised to become an integral part of industries requiring high-performance, low-latency connections, such as retail, logistics, and healthcare.
FAQ Section
1. What is the purpose of network slicing in 5G?
Network slicing in 5G allows telecom providers to create customized virtual networks with specific requirements for different use cases, such as enhancing payment processing or providing ultra-low latency for autonomous vehicles.
2. How does 5G Standalone differ from 5G Non-Standalone?
5G Standalone (SA) operates on its own core network, providing greater flexibility and efficiency compared to 5G Non-Standalone (NSA), which relies on 4G infrastructure for some operations. SA enables features like network slicing and low-latency services.
3. What are the benefits of 5G network slicing for businesses?
Businesses benefit from 5G network slicing by ensuring their operations run on a dedicated, high-performance virtual network that can handle specific demands like fast mobile payments, improving service quality during peak usage times.
4. How is BT using 5G network slicing in real-world applications?
BT is leveraging 5G network slicing in various trials, such as at the Belfast Christmas Market, to support faster mobile payment transactions and provide businesses with dedicated, high-speed connectivity in busy environments.
5. Can 5G network slicing improve customer experiences at events?
Yes, 5G network slicing ensures faster, more reliable connectivity, reducing delays and improving user experience, particularly at high-traffic events where multiple users rely on mobile payment systems.
