Telefonica and El Corte Ingles implements private 5G network

Telefónica spain starts a collaboration with Ericsson to deploy a private 5G network at retail group El Corte Inglés’s logistics base in Madrid.

The parties said the aim is to apply the Industry 4.0 concept and make use of the edge computing technology to the world of logistics by optimizing the retail chain’s processing using a Telefónica compute center, to monitor, direct, and automate in-house machinery with ultra-low latency.

The network is using 700MHz frequency spectrum to optimize routes and paths taken transiting pallets across the 500 000 m², with the spectrum frequency considered best suited to maintain connectivity across the densely packed and high‑rise facility. By deploying this 5G band Telefónica anticipates that the optimization will provide a 20% reduction in journey times for connected equipment.

Moreover, the 5G network will make use of use the millimeter wave band (26 GHz) in order to eliminate physical wiring in machine communications, to provide greater flexibility in positioning machinery. In fact, this higher‑frequency connectivity is expected to provide the very low latency needed for rapid sorting, as the latency is lower with high frequencies because of the size of slots.

The use cases are included in the project commissioned by the Ministry for Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation to conduct 5G real-world trials in Madrid over the next two years. Also, Telefonica is expected to carry out pilots covering 8 activities including: logistics, tourism, education,  industrial production, healthcare, drones and TV production