Launch of a Franco-German call for projects on private 5G

If 5G for the general public in France started modestly, great hopes are based on the development of use in business and in particular on what is called private 5G. The Franco-German couple is well aware of this and is launching a joint initiative on this subject. A call is open through Bpifrance to support collaborative projects that promote the creation of a common 5G ecosystem of technology and service providers in connection with German and French 5G private network operators.

The application document recalls that these projects can concern several subjects: industry 4.0, health, education. 5G slicing technology provides the ability to slice up network slices and combine routing and compute functions for data control. This segmentation opens the way to several professional uses: augmented or virtual reality thanks to the increase in speeds, systems requiring low latency and high availability (autonomous vehicles, medical and on-board applications, etc.) and, finally, networks with a large number of connected objects (industrial IoT, smart grids, etc.).

Main projects and demonstrations

In this context, the Franco-German couple is looking for consortia comprising companies from both countries, but also research organizations. These consortia can include a maximum of 6 to 10 partners. The project should be part of the recovery plan for France and within the framework of the national competition on German “5G Campus Network” innovation. The two countries indicate that the amount of aid can go up to 14 million euros. It should be noted that so-called demonstration projects are also requested for smaller consortia between 3 to 5 operators. The amount of the investment is 26 million euros.

Applicants must complete a file with technical elements (technology used, highly recommended European equipment manufacturers, links with standardization bodies, etc.). Social and environmental considerations will also be taken into account (number of jobs created, use of renewable energy, etc.). Applicants have until 1^is September to submit their file, but an expression of interest is recommended by June 3.