Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), Insight Enterprises (NASDAQ: NSIT), and the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) have partnered to deploy a private 5G network at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) — one of seven Twin Cities area airports operated by the MAC — to provide reliable wireless connectivity for airport operations and lay the foundation for future digital transformation initiatives.
As airports increasingly adopt AI, automation, video analytics, mobile applications and real-time operational systems, reliable connectivity has become essential infrastructure. At MSP, modern operational technologies such as in-motion mobile devices, surveillance systems, and various internet applications for real-time data historically relied on Wi-Fi, which can be vulnerable to interference from unmanaged devices, operational obstacles on the airfield, and mobility challenges as equipment moves between access points. To address these challenges, the MAC sought a connectivity platform that would help provide broader, more seamless coverage with predictable high performance across MSP’s five-square-mile campus, spanning both indoor and outdoor environments.
The new Ericsson Private 5G network gives MSP its own dedicated wireless infrastructure separate from public cellular and Wi-Fi networks. Rather than expanding Wi-Fi infrastructure or investing in additional fiber, the MAC selected the Ericsson Private 5G solution to deliver enterprise-grade wireless connectivity with the mobility, reliability and coverage required for complex airport operations. The network supports key technologies by providing essential connections to video systems, common-use ticketing equipment and mobile workforce applications. Airport personnel use connected tablets throughout operational areas, while the network provides dedicated, secure cellular coverage across outdoor environments such as runways, taxiways, and gate areas.
“Transportation, public safety, maintenance, security and other airport operations all depend on connectivity. We're basically running a city without residents," says Eduardo Valencia, chief information officer for the MAC. “The Private 5G network provides enterprise-grade connectivity across our campus, especially across a challenging airfield environment which requires a growing number of systems and mobile assets to maintain safe and efficient operations.”
To bring the deployment to life, Insight Enterprises resold and manages the Ericsson Private 5G solution, while Pierson Wireless led deployment and installation activities.
"Deploying a private cellular network across a large and operationally complex airport environment requires close collaboration across technology providers and stakeholders," says Scott Friedlander, senior vice president, Insight Public Sector. "Together with Ericsson and the MAC, we were able to deliver a connectivity platform that supports today's operational needs while laying a foundation for future expansion and emerging use cases."
One of MSP’s early use cases includes Axis Communications’ private cellular-enabled camera system, providing HD video monitoring on airport trams.
“Traditionally, our cameras had relied on wired connectivity. Private 5G now enables continuous video access without interruption,” says Bill Boyd, the director of infrastructure and operations for the MAC’s Information Technology department. “Private 5G allows us to quickly get secure coverage and more data across our operations.”
The network also supports dozens of connected airport vehicles equipped with Ericsson Cradlepoint routers. These provide MSP teams with reliable access to operational applications across the airfield while enabling connectivity through both private 5G and public cellular networks when needed.
Looking ahead, the MAC envisions extending connectivity to airlines, concessionaires, and other airport partners while expanding its own use to improve maintenance and operations.
“Airports are becoming increasingly dependent on automation, AI, video systems, and need for real-time operational data,” says Pankaj Malhotra, Head of Enterprise Product and Engineering, Enterprise Wireless Solutions, Ericsson. “As these environments become more digital, reliable and predictable connectivity becomes essential infrastructure. Through the network installation at MSP, the MAC is helping demonstrate what the future of connected airport operations can look like, using private cellular as a foundation for operational resilience and continued innovation.”
For more information on Ericsson Private 5G solutions, visit Ericsson's Private 5G page.