The aim of the pilot is to test how 5G networks can be economically deployed and operated in different environments, such as densely populated city centers or agricultural areas, and then implemented in the future on a large scale in an environmentally responsible way, when the proliferation of 5G-based applications and the growth of data traffic make it necessary. Based on this experience the network will later be capable of providing a variety of smart services.

For the implementation of two 5G small-cell test projects the Digitális Jólét Nonprofit Ltd. launched an open EU public procurement procedure, which was won by AH NET Ltd., a provider of telecommunications services requiring critical availability, in cooperation with the neutral, integrated infrastructure provider CETIN Hungary Ltd. 

In the framework of the project in Kecskemét, a mobile operator-independent 5G small-cell test environment will be built on the street lighting infrastructure - on light poles, and street chandeliers - in the city center. To serve large numbers of users and dynamically growing data traffic, mobile network infrastructures will need to be upgraded, so more new, smaller antennas, so-called small cells, will be needed in cities. In order to make 5G service in densely populated areas economically viable and reflect environmental aspects and sustainability, it is important to avoid each operator having to invest in its own infrastructure development, which means it is necessary to optimize network design – the experiences gained in the project will support solving this complex and difficult task. The development will also look at the positive impact of installing new types of street chandeliers, for example by installing an e-charger or a city camera system. 

In the framework of the other project in Mezőhegyes, an agricultural 5G test network will be installed on the territory of the Nemzeti Ménesbirtok és Tangazdaság Ltd. The stud farm is acting as a digital model farm, applying, and testing innovative technologies and possibilities of smart agriculture. This requires well-functioning, high-capacity networks. 

"The most important pillar for the deployment of 5G-based smart applications is a high-quality and cost-effective infrastructure," said Dr Gábor Mándi, CEO of AH NET Ltd. "These pilot projects provide a great opportunity to partner with CETIN to leverage our companies' networking capabilities in the implementation of independent 5G networks, and to familiarize the public and businesses with the design, operation, and application possibilities of a 5G small-scale infrastructure environment." 

"One of the big advantages of network-independent infrastructure is that it can be used by multiple operators. This means that not every operator has to build their own infrastructure, which is also beneficial from a sustainability point of view, as it can reduce the environmental impact and make the investment more economic" said Tamás Ötvös, CEO of CETIN Hungary Ltd. 

As part of the assignment, AH NET and CETIN Hungary will present a study for each pilot summarizing experiences gained on the development of the two 5G test environments, the cooperation required for implementation, and the various aspects to be taken into account, from the site selection, other available infrastructures, to licensing and regulatory issues. 

AH NET will coordinate the implementation of the projects, with the main task of providing the optical network for data transmission, while CETIN Hungary will build the 5G mobile network infrastructure.