Ericsson has deployed a private 5G network at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) in partnership with Insight Enterprises and the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC).
As a result, the move will give the airport dedicated wireless connectivity across its five-square-mile campus.
According to the telecoms giant, the network is designed to improve connectivity for airport employees and support the growing number of digital systems used across the site, including cameras, ticketing equipment, mobile devices and other real-time applications.
Previously, MSP has relied on Wi-Fi for many of these systems, however, new private 5G network provides a dedicated connection separate from public cellular and Wi-Fi networks, covering both indoor areas and the airfield.
MAC Chief Information Officer, Eduardo Valencia, said: “Transportation, public safety, maintenance, security and other airport operations all depend on connectivity. We’re basically running a city without residents.
“The Private 5G network provides enterprise-grade connectivity across our campus, especially across a challenging airfield environment which requires a growing number of systems and mobile assets to maintain safe and efficient operations.”
Insight Enterprises is managing the Ericsson Private 5G solution, while Pierson Wireless handled the installation, the company revealed.
Insight Public Sector, SVP, Scott Friedlander, added: “Deploying a private cellular network across a large and operationally complex airport environment requires close collaboration across technology providers and stakeholders.
“Together with Ericsson and the MAC, we were able to deliver a connectivity platform that supports today’s operational needs while laying a foundation for future expansion and emerging use cases.”
The company added that one of the first uses of the network is an Axis Communications camera system providing HD video monitoring on airport trams.
The network also connects dozens of airport vehicles fitted with Ericsson Cradlepoint routers, allowing teams to access operational applications while moving around the airfield.
“Traditionally, our cameras had relied on wired connectivity. Private 5G now enables continuous video access without interruption,” Bill Boyd, the director of infrastructure and operations for the MAC’s Information Technology department, continued, “Private 5G allows us to quickly get secure coverage and more data across our operations.”
Ericsson, Head of Enterprise Product and Engineering, Enterprise Wireless Solutions, Pankaj Malhotra, concluded: “Airports are becoming increasingly dependent on automation, AI, video systems, and need for real-time operational data.
“As these environments become more digital, reliable and predictable connectivity becomes essential infrastructure. Through the network installation at MSP, the MAC is helping demonstrate what the future of connected airport operations can look like, using private cellular as a foundation for operational resilience and continued innovation.”
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