Singtel, Ericsson deploy new 5G tech for dynamic network resource allocation

Singtel has announced that it is the first in the world to commercially deploy a new 5G capability – Ericsson’s Automated Radio Resource Partitioning (ARRP).

Unlike previous iterations of network slicing that require customers to pre-define their network needs, the new software solution intelligently allocates network resources to meet varying workloads of enterprises and consumer applications, thereby overcoming issues of over- or under-provisioning and eliminating the risk of compromising network performance.

ARRP also simplifies the complexity of network management for enterprise customers and is particularly beneficial for mission-critical applications where demands on the network frequently changes abruptly.

ARRP was deployed at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix Formula 1 event, held over the weekend, as part of Singtel’s 5G Express Pass offering to consumers. This ensured subscribers enjoyed priority network resources which allowed them to livestream the race and festivities, share content on social media in real-time, and call for ride-hailing services in a congested environment where total attendance exceeded 250,000 spectators.

Mr Ng Tian Chong, CEO, Singtel Singapore, said, “With Ericsson’s Automated Radio Resource Partitioning (ARRP), businesses only need to specify their desired outcomes and the software handles the rest. Even with no knowledge of network resourcing and management, businesses can tap on the new capabilities of 5G and network slicing. This paves the way for businesses to explore new use cases in dynamic environments like in homeland security, healthcare, smart manufacturing and even high traffic consumer events. We welcome enterprises to test the technology so they can experience the ease with which they can manage their network requirements to support their business needs.”

Daniel Ode, Head of Ericsson Singapore, Philippines and Brunei, says, “Ericsson’s Automated Radio Resource Partitioning solution enables Singtel to define and set measurable objectives or ‘intents’ for its enterprise customers, pertaining to uplink or downlink throughputs, along with a maximum resource utilization in the network. Amidst challenges from increasing complexity, leveraging automation allows our customers to deliver scalable and sustainable service differentiation for superior network experiences."

Continuous innovation to support business goals

Singtel has been consistently unlocking new 5G technology features with Ericsson to help businesses improve their business operations and enable the development of innovative applications.

Since achieving nationwide 5G coverage in 2022, it has developed technologies like network slicing that dedicates network resources for specific uses, even up to the mobile application level. 5G is also the foundation for Singtel’s recently launched national quantum-safe network (QSN). Southeast Asia’s first, the QSN enables enterprises to secure their communications across the island and extends quantum-safe security to new use cases and applications such as identity, mobility and authentication services. The network is currently open for enterprises to learn more about quantum technology before adoption.