A private 5G infrastructure has been rolled out at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) through a collaboration involving Ericsson, Insight Enterprises, and the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC). The deployment furnishes the sprawling airport campus with its own wireless backbone, independent of consumer-grade connectivity options.
The network underpins airport operations by linking employee devices, surveillance equipment, ticketing systems, and other time-sensitive applications that previously depended on Wi-Fi. Unlike shared public networks, the private 5G infrastructure delivers a dedicated channel covering both enclosed terminals and the open airfield, where traditional wired solutions prove impractical.
Eduardo Valencia, Chief Information Officer at MAC, explained the operational stakes: "Transportation, public safety, maintenance, security and other airport operations all depend on connectivity. We're basically running a city without residents. 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."
Insight Enterprises manages the Ericsson Private 5G deployment, with Pierson Wireless handling the physical installation work. Scott Friedlander, Senior Vice President at Insight Public Sector, noted: "Deploying a private cellular network across a large and operationally complex airport environment requires close collaboration across technology providers and stakeholders. 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."
Early implementations showcase the network's capabilities. An Axis Communications camera system now streams HD video from airport trams without interruption, while dozens of airport vehicles equipped with Ericsson Cradlepoint routers enable staff to run operational software while traversing the airfield. Bill Boyd, director of infrastructure and operations for MAC's Information Technology department, remarked: "Traditionally, our cameras had relied on wired connectivity. Private 5G now enables continuous video access without interruption. Private 5G allows us to quickly get secure coverage and more data across our operations."
Pankaj Malhotra, Head of Enterprise Product and Engineering for Enterprise Wireless Solutions at Ericsson, positioned the deployment within broader industry trends: "Airports are becoming increasingly dependent on automation, AI, video systems, and need for real-time operational data. 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."
Source: Mobile Europe
