TELECOMS AND EDGE COMPUTING

and the radios wake automatically as demand rises again,” he explains.

“Every major operator is now exploring slicing, and that’s only possible on standalone 5G”

In manufacturing, AI-driven 5G is streamlining production. At Jaguar Land Rover, tools like screwdrivers are connected directly to the 5G network. “Saving even seconds per task, when repeated thousands of times, delivers real savings,” he highlights.

Looking ahead, Blessing sees even more potential: “AI helps us understand what’s needed, where and when. It enables smart scaling and cost reduction, resulting in a lower environmental impact. The radio layer is where we’re seeing the biggest advances so far.”

VICE PRESIDENT AND HEAD OF CLOUD SOFTWARE & SERVICES FOR THE UK AND IRELAND, ERICSSON

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Collaboration and use cases: from concerts to critical care

Other UK operators are also pushing the boundaries. “BT has deployed standalone 5G in stadiums, while Virgin Media O2 demonstrated slicing during BBC Children in Need’s gaming event,” Blessing notes. “Every major operator is now exploring slicing, and that’s only possible on standalone 5G.”

As 5G SA adoption grows, use cases are multiplying, enabled by Ericsson’s slicing technology. Vodafone’s use during a Wales vs. Ireland rugby match is a case in point: “They created a slice just for commentators to ensure uninterrupted broadcast and another for fans uploading videos,” Blessing recalls.

Critical infrastructure is another area where 5G is making a profound impact. Blessing points to Ericsson’s recent collaboration with IBM as a good example: “Our collaboration with IBM on the Emergency Services Network is delivering mission-critical services to more than 300,000 frontline employees,” he says.

At Glastonbury Festival, slicing powered seamless point-of-sale systems for vendors. “Previously, many vendors relied on slow 2G connections,” says Blessing. “With a dedicated 5G slice, transactions were faster, queues were shorter and businesses didn’t lose revenue.”

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