Vertical: Ports
Application: Smart container identification, autonomous truck coordination, remote equipment operation, Push-to-Talk communications
Ecosystem: Telia Lithuania
Private Network: 5G
Telia Lithuania has begun testing the country’s first 5G SA network at the Baltic Sea port of Klaipėda, marking a significant milestone in Lithuania’s telecommunications infrastructure. The private network deployment enables the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority and port-operating companies to experience enhanced connectivity while establishing a foundation for broader critical infrastructure deployments across the nation.
The Klaipėda network operates with a dedicated core infrastructure, allowing independent functionality without reliance on external systems. This self-contained design covers a defined geographic area extending up to 10 kilometers, delivering substantial improvements in both security and performance metrics compared to traditional network configurations.
Performance advantages of the standalone architecture include latency reduction to less than 10 milliseconds, a notable improvement over the 15-18 millisecond latency typical of non-standalone 5G implementations. According to Giedrė Kaminskaitė-Salters, Head of Telia Lithuania, “The architecture makes the port’s network more resilient to hybrid threats, while ensuring even faster data transmission. This pilot will allow us to prepare for wider deployment across industries where uninterrupted connectivity is essential.”
The 5G SA network enables multiple operational efficiency improvements at the port through advanced use cases. Smart container identification systems will streamline cargo tracking and management processes. Autonomous truck movement coordination between quays and container yards promises to optimize logistics operations. Remote operation capabilities for heavy equipment will enhance both safety and operational flexibility throughout the port facility.
Network slicing functionality represents another key capability, allowing dedicated capacity allocation for specific services and applications. This feature ensures consistent performance for critical port operations while maintaining flexibility for diverse connectivity requirements across different operational areas.
Port employees will benefit from modernized communication systems, replacing traditional walkie-talkie devices with 5G-based Push-to-Talk (PTT) technology. The new system provides improved audio quality, extended coverage areas, and separate communication channels for different port divisions. Importantly, the PTT system maintains functionality during external network disruptions, ensuring continuous communication capabilities.
Algis Latakas, Director General of the Klaipėda State Seaport Authority, emphasized the strategic importance of the deployment: “Klaipėda is already among the most digitally advanced Baltic ports. Testing a private 5G network is another strategic step forward. It maximizes data security and makes advanced automation possible, while laying the foundation for future smart port infrastructure solutions.”
