These locally operated networks allow enterprises to take fuller advantage of the 5G spectrum.

UK technology service provider Logicalis is launching a private 5G service for enterprises in Ireland, following an €8m investment from the company to support the rollout.

Private 5G spectrums were enabled in Ireland following new regulatory changes introduced by ComReg, which, according to Logicalis, represented “one of the most significant advances” in digital infrastructure in recent years.

These locally operated networks can be adapted to specific requirements and allow enterprises to take fuller advantage of the 5G spectrum, with lower latency connectivity across large operational sites.

Access to private 5G is a “transformational development” for Ireland, Logicalis said. The technology supports new generation connected operations such as robotics, industrial AI, autonomous vehicles, IoT devices and edge computing.

Irish businesses can use the technology to accelerate digital automation, AI and Industry 4.0 initiatives, the company said, while strengthening its competitiveness as a destination for global investment.

Logicalis believes private 5G will become a foundational technology supporting the next generation of connected enterprise operations. The company is offering its private 5G services in partnership with technology vendors, including Cisco, Nokia and Neutral Wireless.

It said that the solution encompasses network design, radio planning, deployment, security and integration, alongside fully managed services. It already offers private 5G spectrum across the UK, Europe and North America.

“Historically, enterprises wishing to deploy private 5G have had to rely on mobile operators as the spectrum was unavailable directly to industry,” said Frank Rubotham, the head of specialists and propositions at Logicalis’ UK and Irish operations.

“This framework created complexity and cost barriers to accessing this technology. Now, with industry access to private 5G spectrum, the technology has moved from pilot phase to production deployment at scale.

“At Logicalis, we have been investing and researching heavily into this technology for over 10 years, while deploying large scale private 5G networks in markets such as the UK, Germany and the US, ensuring we have the expertise to deliver truly transformative technology.”

The company is a division of Datatec and has operations across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Africa. It last reported annualised revenues of $1.7bn.

“This advancement, in real terms, means that we can build and provide private 5G networks for enterprises in Ireland supporting greater automation, edge computing, industrial AI, robotics and real-time data analytics,” added Rubotham.

“This, in turn, helps to position Ireland as one of the world’s leading markets to deliver advanced interconnected technologies for business.”

Don’t miss out on the knowledge you need to succeed. Sign up for the Daily Brief, Silicon Republic’s digest of need-to-know sci-tech news.