Singtel unveils innovative network slicing features for enterprise

Singtel has unlocked new features in its network slicing technology which enables enterprises to prioritise connectivity resources for apps and specific users – a global first. The technology, known as User Equipment Route Selection Policy (URSP), has been configured for enterprises to prioritise specific apps that support their business needs.

URSP is deployed through the Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform and works with smartphones on the latest operating systems. To ensure compatibility with device manufacturers, Singtel worked with Samsung Electronics Singapore to successfully trial the technology, paving the way for widespread commercial adoption of URSP.

The enhanced feature of URSP gives enterprises greater flexibility and makes it easier to allocate network resources for priority users and critical apps, even in extremely demanding network conditions that may result in congestion. Such capabilities are crucial for business continuity and mission-critical applications like disaster recovery, incident response, as well as for industries where downtime in their day-to-day operations is not an option. It is also increasingly useful for organisations with a growing hybrid workforce that depends on communication apps and collaboration tools to operate and be productive.

Ng Tian Chong, CEO, Singtel Singapore, said, “We’re proud of this achievement as implementing URSP requires eco-system alignment - support from the network, operating systems and mobile device management platforms and more – which isn’t an easy feat. URSP is a gamechanger that allows organisations to tap into the advanced features of the 5G network to meet their specific needs. The high degree of customisability is easy for businesses to implement and enhances customer engagement while driving costs down. Every organisation can benefit from this technology.”

Boosting enterprise productivity and efficiency

The first device manufacturer to support URSP, Samsung, has configured its Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6 to be URSP-ready, and plans to extend the roll-out to its other devices. Enterprises can choose to optimise and prioritise bandwidth via Knox Manage, an MDM platform by Samsung, which allows IT admins to manage and monitor fleet devices easily. Through Knox Manage, administrators can assign additional bandwidth to specific apps or users, with a view to address business priorities.

Dennis Jang, President of Samsung Electronics Singapore, said, “Connectivity advancements like network slicing can be transformative in the digital age, as more businesses require stable network for communication and productivity needs. This is even more crucial as we embrace more digital services that rely heavily on network connectivity. Through this partnership, we hope to offer seamless, dedicated and reliable experiences for enterprises on our Galaxy devices with Samsung Knox, complemented with Singtel’s continuous innovation to create new possibilities with 5G.”

Daniel Ode, Head of Ericsson Singapore, Philippines and Brunei says, “As a connectivity technology leader, we are very delighted to work with Singtel and Samsung, to make URSP available for enterprises. The ability to assign a Smartphone or Computer with multiple profiles within an enterprise takes the potential of 5G to a new level. It will allow employees within enterprises to get prioritised access based on their work profile, even when they are on the go. This successful implementation will also pave the way for the creation of tailored, differentiated 5G offerings.”

Leading advancements in network slicing to support business goals

Singtel has been unlocking new 5G technology features to help businesses streamline operations and achieve their mission-critical objectives.

From 2021 to 2023, Singtel worked with public sector agencies to conduct 30 5G trials at Sentosa. The trials involved public and private sector organisations in the construction, homeland security, tourism and other industries successfully activating network slices to exploit 5G’s fast speeds and low latency connections to test new uses and applications.

At the recent 2024 Singapore Grand Prix Formula 1 event, Singtel deployed Automated Radio Resource Partitioning, a new feature of network slicing that dynamically allocates network resources, ensuring customers enjoyed extra bandwidth and double the connectivity speed. This allowed Singtel’s subscribers to livestream and share content of the race with friends and family in a highly congested network environment.