Itaipu Binacional is investing in the implementation of a private 5G network in the Itaipu Technological Park – Brazil (PTI-BR) area, to start research and development of applications with this new network. The initiative, unprecedented in the Brazilian electricity sector, focuses on regional development based on an innovation ecosystem.

5G technology, which is slowly spreading across Brazil, goes far beyond faster downloads on cell phones. The new network will allow faster and more robust interconnection of equipment and devices and much more intense data traffic, which will enable the development of innovative products in several areas, including energy and agribusiness.

Among the benefits provided by the project are the delivery of solutions applicable not only to the technological modernization and digital transformation of the plant, but which can also help to overcome technological challenges in the different areas of operation of the binational, including management, safety, environment, etc.

In addition, the 5G private connectivity infrastructure will promote the generation of new business models, acceleration of startups, stimulus to entrepreneurship and the development of the economy.

The proposal is to act, initially, with the themes Critical Infrastructures and Smart Cities, with expansion potential for applications in Agribusiness and Energy. The project will also have education and open innovation actions, connecting universities, startups and other actors in the innovation ecosystem.

The implementation of the 5G private network is supported by the National Institute of Telecommunications (Inatel), which participated in the planning phase of the architecture to be implemented in the Park.

According to the manager of the Center for Open Technologies and IoT (Internet of Things) at PTI-BR, Willbur Souza, the institution already has a basic infrastructure and advanced prototyping laboratories in a model of a real experimental environment (Living Lab) for validation. of technological projects. “From this Itaipu initiative, the environment will also have a dedicated stand-alone pure 5G private network architecture, enabling tests, research and development projects and also solution validations with 5G connectivity,” he said.

Solutions and business

For the manager of the PTI-BR Entrepreneurship Center, Regean Gomes, strengthening the technology-based infrastructure is one of the pillars for the economic development of society. “Since 2018, the institution has been developing, together with the Brazilian Agency for Industrial Development (ABDI) and Itaipu Binacional, the installation of infrastructures and the creation of test and validation environments that drive the generation of business, growth and creation of companies”, he highlighted. .

“This is another step in the journey of innovation and digital transformation aimed at generating business and entrepreneurship carried out by PTI-BR in Foz do Iguaçu, western region and Brazil”, he concluded.

Learn more about 5G

The new generation of mobile internet, 5G, has arrived to revolutionize the integration of physical and digital, impacting the market through the generation of new business and people's daily lives. 5G is already present in all Brazilian capitals and is gradually being expanded to the rest of the national territory, creating a scenario for exploring the new capabilities made possible by this new resource.

With a speed between 1 and 10 Gbps, the technology of the future represents 100 times or more speed compared to its predecessor, 4G. Its use should impact from industry and agribusiness to people's lives, through areas such as safety, mobility and health.

In addition to the greater reach and security in mobile internet access compared to 4G technology, the new network will also enable the evolution of IoT, resulting in greater efficiency in the interaction and transmission of data between objects and the internet.