DT Expands Network Slicing Uses

Deutsche Telekom continued a network slicing push beyond recent consumer-oriented plays. The operator is utilizing a technology-based approach, in collaboration with Motorola Solutions, to provide priority communications to emergency services in Germany.

The company began offering priority voice and data communications on its 4G and 5G networks. It stated it deployed a mission-critical broadband set-up based on Motorola Solutions technology and its own network slicing capabilities, which it recently promoted for consumer gaming services.

DT Public Sector director Gottfried Ludewig said it is building on solid credentials as a provider of emergency communications by putting a blue light on data by pushing non-critical information aside. “At the same time, we reserve capacity in the mobile network for emergency responders using network slicing.”

The operator explained that it is employing standards-based mission-critical communications set-ups to enable the exchange of push-to-talk voice and video, and data between different emergency services in real-time. It means the emergency services can work seamlessly together across 5G/LTE devices and smartphones, as well as radios. The operator previously tested network slicing for this purpose with the federal police. It said around 150,000 German police officers employ its current TETRA-based services.