Ericsson has been identified as the exclusive provider of 5G equipment for Tesla’s inaugural private 5G network at its Berlin Gigafactory, according to Asad Khan, Research Director for 5G and Wireless Networks at SNS Telecom & IT. Initially in Proof-of-Concept (PoC) mode since 2023, the network recently became fully operational. “Our understanding is that it is a standalone 5G installation operating in Germany’s 3.7-3.8 GHz spectrum for campus networks,” Khan explained.
Tesla announced in early May that it had launched its first private 5G network at the Berlin factory, though it did not disclose the supplier. The electric vehicle manufacturer also plans to implement similar networks at its global facilities.
“The network provides both indoor and outdoor coverage at the manufacturing plant, supporting applications from wirelessly updating hundreds of cars to automated intralogistics within the plant’s premises,” Khan elaborated. He noted that the private 5G setup has significantly reduced overcycle issues by up to 90% in the plant’s General Assembly (GA) shop.
Ericsson has not commented on its collaboration with Tesla. “Any comments from SNS are not confirmed from Ericsson and would be hearsay from a third party,” stated Kelly Dorsey, VP of communications at Cradlepoint, an Ericsson company. This is consistent with Tesla’s media policy, as the company has not had a PR department since 2020.
Expansion of 5G in More Gigafactories?
According to SNS, Tesla has begun deploying private 5G networks in additional factories, including the Gigafactory in Austin, Texas. While it is unclear if Ericsson is involved in this deployment, Khan noted, “We wouldn’t be surprised if Ericsson and its Cradlepoint business unit are involved, given the Swedish equipment maker’s recent successes in industrial 5G projects with companies such as Toyota Material Handling, Cummins, and LG Electronics.”
Despite a challenging Q1 2024, where Ericsson saw a 14% drop in year-on-year sales, the company reported growth in its Enterprise Wireless Solutions, including Private Cellular and Cradlepoint.
