Comms Connect NZ to discuss novel 5G use cases

Comms Connect New Zealand is coming to Christchurch next week, on 4–5 June, and there’s set to be plenty of discussion on the possibilities provided by 5G.

Sebastian Faxér, CTO of Ericsson New Zealand, will explain why 5G Standalone (SA) matters for mission-critical networks, thanks to its ability to take 5G performance to new heights. Unlike 5G Non-Standalone networks, 5G SA is based exclusively on cloud-native 5G Core and 5G Radio architecture. This flexible, programmable, service-based architecture means that service providers can upgrade, create and deploy new services in hours rather than days or weeks, without impacting live services.

5G SA’s capabilities, combined with network exposure, automation, edge computing, local packet core gateway and network slicing, are raising the stakes for 5G service delivery, making networks more programmable, breaking out traffic at the network edge, and providing differentiated connectivity with guaranteed quality of service. Faxér’s presentation will explore the global state of the 5G SA deployment, early examples of 5G SA use cases, and how 5G SA is becoming increasingly relevant for first responders and mission-critical applications.

A separate presentation, by Step Global Managing Director David Lloyd, will outline a resilient solution to replace communication networks during disasters: dynamic communication hubs built with private 5G and vehicle-as-a-node (VaaN) technology. Lloyd will explain how rapidly deployable 5G base stations and mobile vehicle nodes can create independent networks, ensuring connectivity when public infrastructure collapses. With benefits including rapid set-up, extended coverage, device-agnostic connectivity and enhanced coordination, this innovative approach provides a lifeline for first responders and affected communities, improving response times and building safer, more resilient environments.

Finally, Robyn Kamira, Chief Strategy & Impact Officer at Tū Ātea, will explain her company’s mission to increase Māori participation, leadership and innovation in telecommunications and digital technologies — with a clear focus on outcomes that will strengthen New Zealand’s public safety and critical communications ecosystem. The organisation recently committed to building New Zealand’s first commercial private 5G network for CentrePort Wellington, providing high-speed connectivity to dozens of tablet devices used in the vehicles and cranes that help manage and process 4 million tonnes in freight each year. This is a major milestone for Tū Ātea and its technology partner, Mavenir, and is demonstrative of the organisation’s efforts to deliver economic, cultural, environmental and social benefits.

For more information and to register for Comms Connect New Zealand, visit comms-connect.co.nz.

Image credit: iStock.com/AlexLMX