At Frankfurt Airport, the operator Fraport is building a private 5G digital radio network together with the Dutch IT service provider NTT.

"The new network will not only speed up the work processes at Fraport, but also benefit numerous companies at the site," explains Fraport IT Manager Wolfgang Standhaft. Compared to its predecessors, the 5G mobile communications standard enables a significantly higher data rate with shorter delay times. This is considered a prerequisite for real-time applications. As examples, Fraport cites the use of autonomous vehicles on the apron or the video-supported inspection of airport facilities by robots or drones.

The technology is to be tested on a small part of the airport in the summer. Starting next year, the network infrastructure will then be expanded across the entire airport site with an area of ​​more than 20 square kilometers and opened up to partner companies.

“For us as an airport operator, the operation of an independent mobile network is a milestone. We are thus setting the strategic course that will enable us to make airport operations even more efficient in the future through innovation and digitization," continued Steadfast. "With NTT we have a strong and experienced partner at our side with whom we will test the new technology and develop application examples."