Telefónica and Dataport launch 5G test lab: First 5G standalone campus network for Hamburg in operation

To drive digitalization in the public sector, Dataport has commissioned the first private 5G standalone (SA) campus network in Hamburg for its new 5G test lab. Designed and built by O₂ Telefónica with Ericsson’s Private 5G (EP5G), Dataport's 5G lab marks the start of 5G SA technology testing for the future data processing and throughput requirements of the public sector. Dataport expects 5G technology to boost efficiency and innovation in the field of networking, public administration and smart cities, and is making its laboratory available to interested companies and public institutions to gain experience with 5G.

Dataport and O2 Telefónica have agreed on a cooperation package for the construction and operation of Dataport's 5G lab, in which O₂ Telefónica will provide additional engineering consulting support. This type of cooperation with O₂ Telefónica will enable the company to develop its own applications, as well as build up technical know-how with regard to the operation and use of the 5G network.

Dr. Johann Bizer, Chairman of Dataport's Executive Board and responsible for the Solutions division, explains the goal of the 5G lab: "Our 5G lab provides Hamburg's public institutions and companies with a development environment in which 5G applications and solutions can be planned, tested and optimized."

"In Hamburg, we have set up a 5G campus network with our technology partner Ericsson, where Dataport can test the practical application of the for public administration," says Karsten Pradel, Director B2B of O₂ Telefónica. "I am convinced that Dataport will use the 5G lab to develop many new applications which will benefit the public sector."

Being the first active 5G SA campus network in Hamburg, Dataport is establishing itself as an innovation driver in the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg (FHH). In this way, the company is making a fundamental contribution to digital public services in a changing digital society.

Private 5G campus network for Dataport's 5G lab

Dataport's 5G lab provides a secure, closed research and development environment where no data leaves Dataport's premises or the administrative IT network connected to the 5G campus network.

Dataport's 5G lab has network coverage both in the enclosed lab premises and in an open area. With this topographical design of the 5G campus network, it is possible to test indoor and outdoor applications under real world conditions.

In an initial test, Dataport is testing a 5G connection with a high data rate to the state network (working title: virtual state network connection, vLNA). The test is intended to determine the extent to which 5G technology can be used to provide faster and more cost-effective access to the state network for new or growing public properties (e.g., schools, city halls or public authorities). This is particularly relevant in places where no fiber optic lines are available.

Dataport's 5G lab is also positioned for expansion to other locations: In the future, Dataport could add 5G antennas to interested properties in Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Bremen and Saxony-Anhalt, providing cost-effective 5G network coverage, thanks to O₂ Telefónica's scalable core network and Dataport's own fiber infrastructure.