Private 5G Network Deployment by T-Mobile and Ericsson for Tawesco
T-Mobile and Ericsson have successfully implemented a private 5G network for Czech manufacturer Tawesco, aimed at supporting Industry 4.0 applications. The project, established in the 3.4-3.8 GHz band, is now in operation at Tawesco’s main plant and is slated for expansion to sister companies within the Promet Group.
Key Points:
- Main Plant: A private 5G network setup by T-Mobile and Ericsson is now operational at Tawesco’s primary facility.
- Expansion Plans: The Promet Group intends to replicate this deployment across its other group entities.
- New Applications: Numerous Industry 4.0 devices are already connected, with further expansions aligning with the ‘smart factory’ vision.
The private 5G standalone (SA) network, provided by T-Mobile and Ericsson, spans an area of approximately 5,000 square meters at Tawesco’s Kopřivnice plant in Czechia. The live demonstration functions as a ‘proof-of-concept’ with impending extensions throughout the main plant and sister companies.
Currently, Tawesco has integrated various devices into the private 5G environment, encompassing mobile devices, production machinery, and material handling equipment. This includes a wide array of machinery like conveyors, forklifts, cranes, hoists, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), which are vital for private 5G applications.
The deployment operates on the 3400-3800 MHz band, utilizing spectrum permissions granted by T-Mobile within the framework set by the Czech government. The local operators, including T-Mobile, Vodafone, and O2, were mandated to make their 3.4-3.8 GHz spectrum available for private 5G networks with authorization from the Czech telecoms office.
Noteworthy private 5G initiatives in Czechia include the networks at Czech Technical University, Volkswagen-owned Škoda Auto, and Temelín Nuclear Power Plant. The prevalence of standalone 5G networks in private settings exceeds public infrastructure, aligning with the country’s evolving telecommunications landscape.
Tawesco’s manufacturing footprint extends across at least three sites in Úvaly, near Prague, and Nový Jičín in addition to its main plant. Specializing in engineering components for various industries, the company holds a significant production space and plays a vital role in supplying critical components for automotive, agricultural, forestry, and logistics sectors.
As part of the larger Promet Group based in Ostrava, Tawesco’s parent company manages a diverse portfolio of over 40 enterprises in machinery, metallurgy, and engineering, fostering over 4,000 employees in Czechia and globally. The ambitious expansion plans at the Kopřivnice plant are indicative of a substantial strategic advance for the company’s partners.
Reflecting on the project’s significance, a spokesperson stated,
