Technological University of the Shannon drives innovation with 5G standalone technology

Discover how the Technological University of the Shannon is leveraging 5G standalone technology to revolutionise industries, enhance education, and engage local communities.

Enabling digital transformation with 5G

Founded in 2021, Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) is Ireland’s only cross-regional university, supporting 14,000 students across 6 campuses. Renowned for its innovation, TUS partners closely with industry leaders to drive productivity and develop new technologies. In collaboration with Ericsson, TUS selected Three to provide 5G standalone connectivity — an advanced feature at the forefront of 5G technology, tested using the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Three Ireland’s 5G Standalone network is operating on a trial basis, which may be extended into the future.

TUS, Ericsson, Samsung and Three aimed to showcase the capabilities of 5G standalone technology through practical use cases, focusing on engaging local communities, businesses, and social organisations. This partnership leverages Three’s robust 5G network and TUS’s research capabilities to create transformative digital solutions.

Exploring 5G-enabled applications

The partnership is advancing research and development in areas like connected agriculture, health, fitness, personal safety, and more. The 5G standalone network supports real-time data transfer and ultra-low latency, enabling revolutionary applications like:

• Connected agriculture: 5G enables autonomous vehicles, reducing costs, increasing productivity, and enhancing sustainability, positioning Irish agriculture for future competitiveness.
• Connected sports: Real-time analytics enhance player performance, coaching, and officiating. Cloud-based optical recognition offers instant insights, allowing referees and coaches to make informed decisions on the pitch.
• Angel on my shoulder: A drone that follows athletes during training, providing real-time feedback on performance and safety. Using 5G technology and optical recognition, the drone assesses risks and monitors fitness.

Driving the future of 5G in Ireland

As 5G standalone technology continues to evolve, the partnership between TUS and Three is pushing the boundaries of innovation. Dr. Enda Fallon, Head of Department for Computer and Software Engineering at TUS summarised the university’s aim: ‘To engage local communities […] so they understand the potential of new technology’. The proposal he says, is ‘to make the Irish Midlands the most connected and digitalised region within Europe’.

The journey is just beginning. TUS, Ericsson, Samsung and Three remain committed to exploring the untapped possibilities of 5G standalone technology, creating a smarter, more connected future.

To find out what Ireland’s Fastest 5G Network can do for your business, book a call with our team today.