Vodafone to Deliver Private 5G-Based Campus Network to BASF

By the end of 2024, the former Lausitz production site will be equipped with an independent and highly secure mobile critical communications infrastructure.

Vodafone Germany is spearheading the digital transformation of BASF Schwarzheide with the establishment of a private 5G-based campus network. By the end of 2024, the former Lausitz production site will be equipped with an independent and highly secure mobile critical communications infrastructure.

This collaboration between Vodafone and BASF Schwarzheide represents a significant milestone in Germany’s industrial landscape. The local network will provide ultra-fast mobile communications tailored to the specific needs of the company and its production facilities. Vodafone’s advanced 5G network will bring enhanced efficiency to BASF’s operations through streamlined monitoring, maintenance, and optimization of production processes.

The partnership involves the construction of six cutting-edge cell phone masts with state-of-the-art antennas, ensuring comprehensive 5G coverage across the factory premises. The potential applications of this new infrastructure are far-reaching. By enabling real-time communication between sensors, machines, robots, and drones, BASF’s Lusatian production plant is at the forefront of Europe’s process industry. This groundbreaking development allows for the exploration of innovative application scenarios that were previously unfathomable.

Both Vodafone and BASF have already conducted successful test runs at the site, utilizing wireless sensors, 5G cameras, and mobile communications networks integrated with IT systems. These trials have propelled the optimization, acceleration, and safety of production processes, paving the way for future advancements.

In Vodafone’s broader efforts to establish extensive 5G coverage in Germany, the company’s network already reaches 90% of the population. Additionally, its 5G Standalone network (SA) currently serves 45% of the German population, with plans to achieve nationwide coverage by 2025. With over 26,000 mobile radio stations, including nearly 15,000 5G stations, Vodafone is a key player in the country’s telecommunications landscape.

The collaboration between Vodafone and BASF Schwarzheide demonstrates the immense potential of 5G technology in shaping the future of industry and manufacturing. By laying the groundwork for seamless connectivity, they are paving the way for an era of unparalleled innovation, efficiency, and growth. This landmark achievement reaffirms Germany’s position as a global leader in digital transformation and sets the stage for even greater advancements in the years to come.