O2, Ericsson and Northumbrian Water have conducted a series of initial 5G trials to harness the power of 5G connectivity to revolutionise the way the Durham-based company operates.

Northumbrian Water, which supplies 1.1 billion litres of water a day to customers, requires a range of technical skills and competencies in order to manage the logistical challenge of maintaining water and sewerage services across the North East region.

5G-enabled augmented reality (AR) technology will allow experienced technicians to remotely support engineers in the field and guide on-the-ground teams through complex tasks by relaying real-time data and instructions, creating ‘Remote Experts’. The field teams will test 3D AR views of the network over traditional 2D maps and plans of infrastructure.

The technology also allows multiple experts to join one call simultaneously, adding valuable second opinions.

The rollout of O2’s 5G network, launched in October, is providing faster speeds, lower latency and greater network coverage to places that need it most, enabling businesses such as Northumbrian Water to explore opportunities that will increase productivity, efficiency and safety.

O2 and Ericsson will also create a Private Network Installation for Northumbrian Water, which will guarantee uninterrupted network access and capacity for the business.

The first set of trials will also focus on three other key areas:

AR Mapping: Using 5G-powered AR to provide a 3D representation of buried assets for technicians. If successful the technology could be extended to cover the layout of over 47,210km of water mains, pipes and conduits and would help engineers manage risks and hazards in real-time.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Management: Allowing field technicians and engineers to quickly access and upload crucial data from NWG’s central GIS database, without requiring a Wi-Fi or cable connection.

Home Water Maintenance App: An app for consumers to monitor their home’s water supply and flow, identifying any unusual patterns to flag potential issues ahead of time.        

The 5G infrastructure for the initial trials will be provided by O2’s 5G partner, Ericsson, who will install the Private Network solution for NW, including the industry-leading Ericsson Radio Dot System, to deliver unparalleled indoor 5G coverage and capacity for the trials at the Washington Water Treatment Plant in Tyne and Wear.

Derek McManus, Chief Operating Officer at O2 said:

“When we launched our new network in October, we discussed rolling out 5G to a range of businesses that we are already helping to harness the power of connectivity. Northumbrian Water have been a fantastic advocate for the possibilities of 5G for UK business, and are a great example of how 5G can change the way we do things in the utilities sector and beyond. This is a significant milestone as we bring new capabilities to make real changes in people’s everyday lives.

“We firmly believe 5G will continue to bring major new technological capabilities that will support entirely new business models, sectors, and more efficient ways of working.”

Martin Jackson, Head of Strategy & Enterprise Architecture at Northumbrian Water commented:

Marielle Lindgren, Head of Ericsson UK & Ireland, added that the trial would demonstrate how 5G can transform operations in the utilities sector, such as water supply and sewerage services, which will positively impact millions of people in the local area, commenting:

“Initiatives like this one are critical to unlocking the true potential of 5G. As the global leader in 5G, we are working with operators and industry partners to identify how this technology can deliver greater productivity and efficiency for businesses in the UK and across the world.”