Nokia is probably the network supplier for this port project
The vendor has already worked on projects at the port before
Telefonica and Boldyn have also taken part in similar projects at the harbor
The port of Valencia is implementing the first 5G private network in a harbor to utilize the 2.3 GHz frequency in Spain. This follows multiple other cellular projects at that dock.
The presence of multiple networks shows how crucial digitization has become to this large commercial port. It also demonstrates collaboration between multiple vendors and operators. This multi-pronged approach will likely continue as the port moves into the standalone 5G era.
Additionally, the use of the 2.3GHz band for this new project is notable because that frequency is becoming something of a de facto band for 5G private network projects in Spain. The band has already been used for a network at San Sebastian airport, as well as the seaport. In general, Spain is playing 5G catch-up with European rivals like Germany and France.
Analysts Fierce spoke with weren’t clear yet on who the 5G radio access network provider would be. The probability, however, is that the vendor is Nordic private network leader Nokia, which has already worked on projects in the port.
AvidThink principal analyst Roy Chua told Fierce he can't say for certain that it's that specific vendor “but their past relationships have indicated they worked closely with Nokia.”
“Since the network is not yet operational, identifying the equipment supplier is challenging,” noted Asad Khan, 5G research director at SNS Telecom & IT. “Funding (approx. $/€ 6 Million) for the network was approved in September 2024, followed by the completion of the planning and design phase in Q4 2024."
“This is the first private 5G network port deal in Spain to use dedicated Band 40 (2.3 GHz) spectrum. Previously engagements such as Barcelona Port Authority’s $4 Million multi-year private 5G project have largely relied on mobile operator frequencies,” Khan added.
The port’s private backstory
The port had already partnered with Telefonica in 2022 – using its 4G LTE spectrum – to deploy a non-standalone (NSA) millimeter wave (mmWave) 5G network using Nokia RAN, core and edge equipment to implement surveillance cameras and the like.
Cellnex, which is now part of Boldyn networks, SNS’s Khan noted, has also worked on deploying a private network at the large port. Chua said that Cellnex had a good working relationship with Nokia, but it's not clear yet if that continues under the Boldyn mantle.
“In 2020, Telefónica implemented a virtual private LTE solution for APM Terminals operations at the port,” Khan said.
APM Terminals is a Dutch company that provides advanced container and terminal facilities for 74 facilities across the globe. The analyst added that MásOrange has set up a virtual private network to provide joint communications services to the nearly 500 companies in Valencia's port area.