Earlier this month, LMT launched the first private 5G network in the Baltics, marking a new phase in developing 5G in Latvia. The private 5G network, which is aimed to be used for essential business processes, is located in the SIA “Baltic Container Terminal” territory at the Freeport of Riga. It provides higher data transmission capacity, stable connectivity on the move, independence from public network traffic, and high data security.
Private 5G networking enables a separate and physically segregated mobile data network to be set up in a geographically defined location, where only specific enterprise devices, such as tablets, smartphones, network adapters, sensors, etc., can connect to it. The network can be connected to the public network or be utterly separate if high security is required.
It's hard to imagine modern business and public sector growth without stable connectivity, security, and mobility. A private 5G network is the next step in 5G development, and LMT is proud to be one of the first in the Baltics to implement it, offering an even better, more convenient, and reliable user experience across a wide range of industries, including safety and security, manufacturing, transport and logistics, medicine, education and research, smart city solutions, seaport development, and more. We plan to continue the roll-out of private 5G networks in Latvia and beyond, as we expect this telecommunications segment to increase worldwide,
says the President of LMT, Juris Binde.Baltic Container Terminal is one of the leading logistics hubs in the Baltics, handling around 250,000 containers a year, hence, every operation has to be precisely coordinated. Until now, intercommunication and internal systems at the Terminal have been provided by a WiFi network, but the launched private 5G network now offers the opportunity for significant improvements.
Large-scale facilities like the 57-hectare Baltic Container Terminal demand extensive WiFi infrastructure, requiring numerous access points with individual network cables and power supplies. However, due to their superior transmission capacity and frequency, only two 5G access points are needed to cover the same area. This is particularly advantageous in locations without other nearby transmitters that could interfere with and reduce 5G’s performance.
Additionally, port terminal operations often involve frequent movement. 5G’s ability to maintain stable connections on the go enables the replacement of outdated analog walkie-talkies with advanced communication devices. These devices support voice communication and facilitate data, image, and video transmission, leveraging the capabilities of 5G push-to-talk technology.
The most significant advantage of a private 5G network is its enhanced security. By requiring dedicated SIM cards for access, unauthorized connections are prevented, user data is safeguarded, and controlled device access is ensured. This heightened security is particularly crucial in environments where sensitive information is handled.