Tesla is venturing into the realm of private 5G networks by implementing one in its sprawling factory located in Berlin. The company discusses this strategic move in a brief video posted on the X social network. The video features Pat, a member of Tesla’s IT team at the Giga Berlin factory, who proudly announces, “We’re one of the first ones in the automotive manufacturing industry to launch private 5G on a large scale.” He further emphasizes Giga Berlin’s pioneering role in this endeavor and its subsequent global scalability.
According to Pat, the introduction of private 5G lays the groundwork for innovation and enhanced operations within Tesla’s manufacturing and warehousing facilities. He highlights the network’s ability to facilitate seamless communication among mobile machines, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
Pat introduces Ernesto, another team member specializing in networking, who discusses the transformative impact of the private 5G network, particularly in outdoor settings. Traditionally, establishing outdoor networks required significant investments and time for fiber and energy deployment. However, Tesla now simply needs to install small antennas on buildings to connect its outdoor facilities efficiently.
While the video lacks specifics regarding the timeline for global 5G deployment or the network vendors involved, it’s likely that Tesla is utilizing the spectrum reserved by the German regulator Bundesnetzagentur (BNetzA) in the 3.7GHz/3.8GHz band for industrial use.
More 5G Private Network Deployments
In a broader context, other companies like Porsche are also leveraging this spectrum for private 5G research networks, while in the United States, operators and vendors are actively pursuing various 5G private deployments across port facilities, mining operations, and industrial sites. Recently, Verizon unveiled its inaugural neutral host 5G private network in collaboration with Cummins in upstate New York.
