Belfast trials 5G network slicing

BT Group has deployed 5G Standalone (SA) network slicing on the EE mobile network for the first time in a real-world setting, demonstrating its application in urban environments.

The trial, conducted at Belfast’s Christmas Market, explored how cities can use advanced connectivity to support businesses and improve public experiences.

The test involved a dedicated slice of EE’s 5G network, allocated specifically for mobile payment terminals in Lavery’s Beer Tent, one of the market’s busiest venues. This enabled uninterrupted card transactions, even during peak times. As urban centres continue moving towards cashless transactions, reliable payment infrastructure is becoming increasingly important for businesses and customer service.

“Businesses increasingly rely on technology that’s able to cope with the demands of the ever-pervasive digital world, securely,” said Paul Murnaghan, BT’s Northern Ireland Director. “We have all visited a retailer and had the awkward ‘wait while we check’ to see if a payment has been completed correctly.  Network slicing helps tackle this problem by enabling consistently fast and smooth connectivity, critically giving certainty to both traders and customers even when the network is busy in specific locations like Belfast Christmas Market.”

For city leaders, network slicing offers a way to improve urban services, security, the ability to quickly adapt the network to meet specific customer needs, and the capacity to support IoT sensors such as traffic management and environmental monitoring.

“Having access to world-class advanced wireless connectivity is essential for our local businesses,” said Councillor Ryan Murphy, Chair of Belfast City Council’s Strategic, Policy, and Resources Committee. “It’s brilliant to see Belfast benefit from BT Group’s first ever real-world deployment of network slicing, helping local business Lavery’s to enhance its operations and provide an even better customer experience at the very popular Belfast Christmas Market.”

Belfast was among the first 15 cities to implement EE’s 5G Standalone network. Beyond payment processing, network slicing can improve security, reduce communication delays, and allow for flexible network configurations tailored to a city’s needs. For city CIOs, this technology may provide a way to support essential services while maintaining adaptable digital infrastructure.

Image: Brian Morrison