Singaporean operator StarHub and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) have inked a partnership to provide a 5G Multi-access Edge Computing (5G MEC) for enterprise and government clients.
The partners said that the new solution will help these clients move time-critical workloads – such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation, data analytics, machine learning (ML), and mission critical communications – nearer to the source or wherever customers require ultra-low latency performance.
They added that 5G MEC is an attractive offering for enterprises and government clients in latency-sensitive environments, including high-precision manufacturing, autonomous transportation on large campuses, and intelligent robots and cameras with accurate predictive analytics.
With 5G MEC, organizations will be able to avoid the higher cost as well as additional time and effort involved in transmitting machine and sensor data, video streams, and robotic control inputs through multiple networks, StarHub and HPE said.
Until March 2022, enterprise customers in Singapore will be able to trial 5G MEC with StarHub. StarHub and HPE are developing an ecosystem of solutions ready for on-site experimentation, including security cameras with analytics, workplace safety with wearables, 3D indoor positioning and wayfinding, Augmented Reality (AR) applications, drones, and robots.
The ecosystem includes:
-Drones with improved camera-imaging and sensors, for real-time site assessments, building facade inspections, and safer search and rescue missions.
-Autonomous robots for commercial and industry 4.0 use, such as security applications and advanced manufacturing.
-Video security cameras with real-time analytics and object recognition, for enhanced intrusion detection and reduced false positive rate.
-Health and safety solution with video analytics and wearables, to detect falls accurately as well as to trigger instant alarms to emergency caregivers.
-AI scanning and visualisation solution for companies to enable indoor navigation by publishing 3D digital models of real-world interiors and exteriors, without needing human input for modelling.
-AR solutions for precise wayfinding in large facilities as well as more efficient remote repair and maintenance work.
“The ability to interpret and act on data in real-time has become a crucial pillar for enterprises to compete strongly in the digital-first world. Through our collaboration with HPE, we are introducing a single entry point for enterprises to transform with 5G, no matter the stage of their digital journeys,” said Charlie Chan, chief of StarHub’s Enterprise Business Group. “With thousands of edge sites powering 5G mobile and fixed networks, we are taking the lead to bring the compute, real-time AI and ML analytics, and cloud productivity experiences closer to where our customers need them, be it at their offices or remote sites.”
StarHub’s 5G MEC is powered by HPE’s MEC platform, which be deployed at 5G edge sites, local offices and on customer premises.
StarHub recently launched a 5G trial service in the country using the NonStandalone (NSA) 5G architecture.
The operator also announced plans to launch its commercial Standalone (SA) network in partnership with Nokia. The 5G SA network will run on 3.5 GHz spectrum. StarHub said the 5G trial, which will run until February 16, uses the 2.1 GHz spectrum band.
