Network software provider Mavenir is partnering with infrastructure provider BAI Communications (BAI) on a Smart City project for Sunderland City Council in the north of England.
By using Mavenir’s open vRan and 5G packet core solution, MAVedge, BAI aims to build a 5G-centric network to accelerate the adoption of digital services for sectors in the region, including manufacturing and logistics, education and social care.
The initial scope is for the deployment of a city-centre 5G private network, both firms said.
The Open RAN platform provides BAI Communications with the option of deploying radio units from different vendors.
The solution leverages software running on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware, which Mavenir says provides cost-effectiveness, flexibility and agility while delivering one architecture as a baseline for many different use cases.
“We have long recognised the importance of technology in connecting people and realising opportunities to position Sunderland as a digital frontrunner,” said Liz St Louis, assistant director of Smart Cities at Sunderland City Council. “This new partnership between BAI Communications and Mavenir presents a fully scalable network architecture to unlock innovation and shape the future of our leading smart city.”
The alliance will accelerate transformation within various sectors in Sunderland such as smart homes, digital skills, and education, manufacturing and industry 4.0.
“Together, we are harnessing the power of technology and digital transformation for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors to Sunderland,” St Louis continued. “The new network will accelerate the emergence of more smart services including community applications, digital upskilling opportunities and efficiency drives for our advanced manufacturing clusters across the city.”
Andrew Conway, director of solutions and innovation at BAI Communications UK, added: “We are creating a new digital fabric for Sunderland’s City, upon which the City’s digital and business entrepreneurs can build – a portfolio of new digital services for the benefits of residents, businesses and visitors.”
