• Partnership will power a series of 5G trials to increase productivity, efficiency and safety
• Trials will utilise experienced technicians to remotely support engineers in the field while field teams will test 3D AR views of the network over traditional 2D maps and plans of infrastructure.
• A ‘Private Network Installation’ will guarantee uninterrupted capacity for the business
• Service will help almost 2.7million customers in the north east

18^th December 2019: O2, Ericsson and Northumbrian Water have conducted a series of initial 5G trials to harness the power of 5G connectivity to revolutionise the way the Durham-based company operates, as it supplies 1.1 billion litres of water a day to customers.

Northumbrian Water requires a range of technical skills and competencies in order to manage the logistical challenge of maintaining water and sewerage services across the North East region. 5G-enabled augmented reality (AR) technology will allow experienced technicians to remotely guide on-the-ground teams through complex tasks by relaying real-time data and instructions, creating ‘Remote Experts’. The technology also allows multiple experts to join one call simultaneously, adding valuable second opinions.

The rollout of O2’s 5G network, launched in October, is providing faster speeds, lower latency and greater network coverage to places that need it most, enabling businesses such as Northumbrian Water to explore opportunities that will increase productivity, efficiency and safety. O2 and Ericsson will also create a Private Network Installation for Northumbrian Water, which will guarantee uninterrupted network access and capacity for the business.

The first set of trials will also focus on three other key areas:

AR Mapping: Using 5G-powered AR to provide a 3D representation of buried assets for technicians. If successful the technology could be extended to cover the layout of over 47,210km of water mains, pipes and conduits and would help engineers manage risks and hazards in real-time.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Management: Allowing field technicians and engineers to quickly access and upload crucial data from NWG’s central GIS database, without requiring a Wi-Fi or cable connection.

Home Water Maintenance App: An app for consumers to monitor their home’s water supply and flow, identifying any unusual patterns to flag potential issues ahead of time. Water can wreak havoc on your home in the blink of an eye. No matter what the source of the water is, the amount of damage can be devastating. When that happens, assessing and fixing the damage can be next to impossible without help from a Minneapolis water damage restoration service.

The 5G infrastructure for the initial trials will be provided by O2’s 5G partner, Ericsson, who will install the Private Network solution for NW, including the industry-leading Ericsson Radio Dot System, to deliver unparalleled indoor 5G coverage and capacity for the trials at the Washington Water Treatment Plant in Tyne and Wear. 

Derek McManus, Chief Operating Officer at O2 said: “When we launched our new network in October, we discussed rolling out 5G to a range of businesses that we are already helping to harness the power of connectivity. Northumbrian Water have been a fantastic advocate for the possibilities of 5G for UK business, and are a great example of how 5G can change the way we do things in the utilities sector and beyond. This is a significant milestone as we bring new capabilities to make real changes in people’s everyday lives. 

“We firmly believe 5G will continue to bring major new technological capabilities that will support entirely new business models, sectors, and more efficient ways of working.”

Martin Jackson, Head of Strategy & Enterprise Architecture at Northumbrian Water said:  “5G is set to completely transform the way we live and work, creating exciting new possibilities and improvements for our business, our customers and the environment. This is the first time a trial like this has ever been done by a water company and we’re incredibly proud to be leading the way in the utilities sector. We first explored the ways in which we could harness the power of 5G at our Innovation Festival and we’re delighted to be working with O2 and Ericsson to develop this project and deliver an even better experience to our customers.” 

Marielle Lindgren, Head of Ericsson UK & Ireland, said: “We are truly excited to be a part of this collaboration with our long-time partner O2, and Northumbrian Water. This trial will demonstrate how 5G can transform operations in the utilities sector, such as water supply and sewerage services, which will positively impact millions of people in the local area. Initiatives like this one are critical to unlocking the true potential of 5G. As the global leader in 5G, we are working with operators and industry partners to identify how this technology can deliver greater productivity and efficiency for businesses in the UK and across the world.”

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

* https://www.nwg.co.uk/about-us/nwl/what-we-do/Our-operating-area/  

About Northumbrian Water Group

Northumbrian Water Limited supplies 2.7 million customers in the North East with both water and sewerage services, trading as Northumbrian Water, and 1.8 million customers in the South East with water services, trading as Essex & Suffolk Water.

In the most recent survey by the Consumer Council for Water, Northumbrian Water was named the UK’s most trusted water company by its customers. 2017 also saw Northumbrian Water named the world’s most ethical water company for the seventh successive year and Utility of the Year at the Utility Week Awards, for the second time in four years.

About Ericsson

Ericsson enables communications service providers to capture the full value of connectivity. The company’s portfolio spans Networks, Digital Services, Managed Services, and Emerging Business and is designed to help our customers go digital, increase efficiency and find new revenue streams. Ericsson’s investments in innovation have delivered the benefits of telephony and mobile broadband to billions of people around the world. The Ericsson stock is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and on Nasdaq New York.

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Source: O2 Blog
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