Newly combined Fastweb+Vodafone to build private 5G network for Port of Ravenna

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The private mobile network will allow for the widespread use of autonomous vehicles, drones, and real-time IoT monitoring

In partnership with Italian software company Lepida, Fastweb+Vodafone are set to transform the Port of Ravenna, in Italy, into a ‘smart port’, having won a contract to deploy a private 5G network.

The private network will cover the entirety of the port, which spans a roughly 15km long canal, providing ultra-fast, low latency connectivity. This will enable a variety of new use cases, including advanced video surveillance, autonomous vehicle, and drone usage for cargo monitoring.

In addition, the widespread integration of IoT sensors will provide numerous benefits, including the integration of renewable energy systems near the port (including solar and wind power), monitor fuel consumption of vehicles in real time, and collect environmental data such as salinity and pollution levels to support territorial protection policies.

Combined, the new connectivity infrastructure and various use cases will enhance logistics, safety, and sustainability across the site.

The Port of Ravenna is the country’s busiest port for the handling of solid bulk and general cargo and is currently undergoing a €10 million digital upgrade.

The deployment of this private mobile network is one of the first major enterprise projects being undertaken by the newly merged Fastweb+Vodafone.

The two companies were formally combined at the start of this year, following the acquisition of Vodafone Italia by Fastweb’s parent company Swisscom for €8 billion.

The merger has created one of the largest converged operators in Europe, with around 20 million mobile customers and 5.6 million fixed line connections.

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Author: Ernestro Casas -

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