The rapid evolution of mobile network technology has accelerated global digital transformation like never before, with 5G technology spearheading this shift. Among these advances, Lithuania has taken a trailblazing role by conducting one of the earliest trials of a 5G Standalone (SA) network—a move that not only demonstrates technical prowess but also highlights practical industrial and infrastructural applications. Carried out by Telia, a dominant telecom operator in the Nordic and Baltic areas, this pilot at the Baltic Sea port of Klaipėda showcases the transformative potential of dedicated 5G networks in critical environments, providing valuable insights for broader adoption.
5G technology divides into two architectural categories: Non-Standalone (NSA) and Standalone (SA). Unlike NSA, which depends on existing 4G core networks, 5G SA operates independently with its dedicated 5G core. This distinction matters greatly because SA allows the realization of the full spectrum of 5G capabilities such as ultra-low latency, advanced network slicing, and heightened reliability. At Klaipėda port, this network architecture is being exploited to build a private 5G environment tailored for complex logistics and infrastructure needs, where precise and secure connectivity is paramount.
A key dimension of the Klaipėda trial is the practical realization of customized industrial applications through private 5G. Here, Telia’s deployment spans roughly 10 kilometers with a dedicated 5G core enabling network slicing—partitioning the physical network into multiple isolated, virtual segments. This structure allows distinct applications and services to run concurrently without interfering with each other, a necessity in high-stakes environments such as ports where safety, efficiency, and operational integrity cannot be compromised. For instance, smart container identification uses IoT sensors paired with real-time data transfer to simplify tracking and managing cargo. Autonomous trucks ferrying containers between docking points illustrate how low-latency communication is critical for real-time navigation and safety in bustling port operations. Perhaps most striking is the remote operation of heavy machinery, a breakthrough that moves human operators off-site while maintaining effective control, enhancing both safety and productivity. Such deployments are not just demos; they function as live testbeds allowing Klaipėda’s port authorities and operators to witness firsthand the operational advantages of private 5G networks. This experience can then serve as a blueprint for scaling 5G SA adoption across Lithuania’s critical infrastructure, ultimately reinforcing the country’s modernization and resilience.
Beyond Klaipėda, Telia’s broader rollout of 5G across Lithuania is nothing short of impressive, with coverage reaching 95% of the nation by mid-2023. This extensive reach stems from embracing advanced technologies like Massive MIMO and dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS), which bolster network capacity and coverage even in densely populated or industrial zones. The Klaipėda pilot slots seamlessly into this narrative of digital advancement, positioning Lithuania as a forerunner in adopting true 5G innovation within Europe. The standalone trial isn’t just an incremental upgrade; it’s a strategic lever for digital transformation, primed to bolster sectors from smart logistics and manufacturing to defense communications. The collaboration with Nokia and Finland’s Defense Forces in pioneering 5G SA network slicing handovers across borders further elevates this vision—it underscores how commercial 5G infrastructures can meet the demanding needs of secure, uninterrupted communications in multinational defense contexts, pushing the technology’s boundaries beyond traditional consumer or business use.
What makes Lithuania’s 5G SA trial especially noteworthy is its implications for critical infrastructure at large. Modern telecom networks no longer merely provide basic connectivity; they enable automation, enhance operational safety, and drive economic efficiency. The private 5G networks rolled out for specific industries signal a broader telecom industry shift away from generic connectivity towards hyper-localized, tailor-made solutions meeting exact operational needs. This is crucial for sectors like logistics, manufacturing, energy, and transportation where a one-size-fits-all approach would fail to ensure the necessary performance, security, and flexibility. The trial in Klaipėda port stands as a model for how telecommunications can evolve to underpin national competitiveness, safety, and innovation.
Looking ahead, the successful deployment and operation of the 5G SA network in Klaipėda is poised to catalyze further adoption of dedicated 5G cores across Lithuania’s vital industrial sectors. The ripple effect promises to build a rich digital ecosystem where applications running on private 5G networks accelerate productivity and technological growth. For other nations, this case study acts as a compelling example of how to leverage 5G for critical infrastructure resilience and modernization, providing a clear path forward in an era where digital infrastructure increasingly defines economic and security landscapes.
Telia’s pioneering efforts at Klaipėda capture a significant leap forward in telecommunications innovation within the Baltic region. By unlocking the full capabilities of 5G via a standalone core, this trial enhances critical operational domains such as smart logistics, autonomous mobility, and remote industrial control. At the same time, it reflects Lithuania’s broader commitment to embracing next-generation digital infrastructure—promising smarter, safer, and more efficient environments. This initiative offers a glimpse into the future of critical infrastructure development, wherein 5G SA networks act as foundational pillars supporting both economic vitality and societal well-being.
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