Nokia is collaborating with QTnet, a subsidiary of Kyushu Electric Power utility company, to launch a local 5G private wireless network. This marks a first for local 5G network being deployed through commercial spectrum license acquisition.
QTnet provides broadband and related services to customers. Now, using Nokia’s local 5G technology, QTnet will be able to launch new services. Thus, creating a sizeable business opportunity.
The private wireless network will be based on the Nokia Digital Automation Cloud, a high performance, private wireless networking and edge computing platform that will power digital transformation across the Kyushu region.
Nokia and QTnet will also provide new local 5G-enabled services to Kyushu Institute of Technology’s university campus, the first industry-academia collaboration in Japan to create a local 5G environment in a university campus setting. These services include self-operating stores, walking support for the visually impaired, cafeteria crowd monitoring, and new trials with partners and research labs.
“Local 5G has the potential to enable new applications and business models while dramatically improving users’ quality of life,” said Sadao Mouri, Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer at QTnet.
“By deploying robust local 5G private wireless networks in Kyushu, we will enable anchor institutions like education, healthcare and first responders to reach new levels of efficiency and productivity.”