PROJECTS: Digital DEWA and du launch region's first Industrial 5G network slicing for utilities

Digital DEWA, the digital arm of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company's du have partnered to launch the region's first Industrial private 5G slicing through 5G stand-alone (SA) technology, it was announced on Tuesday.

 

5G SA networks operate in pure 5G mode without relying on existing 4G infrastructure while slicing allows carving of 5G networks into virtual networks that can be parceled out to customers based on their specific needs.

 

DEWA said in a press statement that InfraX, Digital DEWA’s ICT services subsidiary, will offer private 5G slicing driven via edge computing, which will enable DEWA to enhance efficiency through a dedicated, secured, and state of the art network.

 

Industrial 5G slicing technology will benefit utilities, industrial, healthcare, transportation, airports, ports, media, and entertainment sectors, according to the statement.

 

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said: "The implementation of 5G slicing through 5G SA is a game-changer to the efficiency of the utility industry and others, as it enables business model innovation and provides businesses with the flexibility to offer services faster with higher security."

 

The statement said both parties have agreed to build new use cases in order to utilise mobile edge computing capability, improving operations, securing networks, and accelerating the digital transformation.

 

(Writing by N Madhura; Editing by Anoop Menon)