BT Lights Up Belfast Christmas Market with 5G SA Network Slicing Trial

BT Group brought festive cheer to Belfast’s Christmas Market by showcasing the future of connectivity with its groundbreaking 5G Standalone (5G SA) network slicing capabilities. Leveraging the EE network, the trial aimed to supercharge mobile payments during the bustling two-week event in December 2024.

The innovative trial, powered by BT’s Division X, dedicated a partitioned slice of the EE 5G network exclusively for eight mobile payment terminals at Lavery’s Beer Tent, ensuring seamless transactions even amidst high foot traffic. This marked the first time a business accessed a dedicated slice of EE’s public network paired with its live 5G SA core, highlighting the potential for tailored connectivity solutions.

Following the nationwide rollout of its 5G SA network in 15 UK cities, including Belfast, in September 2024, BT continues to redefine how small businesses harness next-gen technology. The Christmas Market trial not only demonstrated the ability of network slicing to prioritize essential services in congested areas but also underscored its reliability for real-world applications.

Building on the success of earlier trials at BT’s Adastral Park R&D facility, this deployment showcased how 5G SA can transform connectivity for businesses, ensuring robust and uninterrupted service when it’s needed most. With innovations like these, BT is setting the stage for a connected future where businesses thrive, even in the busiest environments.