[One of the problems with the spread of local 5G networks]

When building a local 5G network (Private 5G) in mountainous areas, ships, islands, rural areas, etc., it is necessary to have an internet connection to the local 5G network for i) remote monitoring and collaboration at the headquarters, ii) access to the cloud for work, and iii) maintenance of the local 5G network.  

However, these areas are often sparsely populated, and Internet connections provided by existing carriers or telcos are not available.

[Japanese industry solution: low-orbit satellite Internet]

To digitally transform a dam construction site in a mountainous region, Japanese construction company Ando Hazama introduced a local 5G network to the site and used a low-orbit satellite internet link from US-based Starlink to connect the local 5G network to the Internet.

In October 2023, Ando Hazama Construction and the University of Tokyo conducted a demonstration test at a dam construction site in a mountainous region, using a local 5G network and the Starlink satellite Internet network to efficiently manage construction and safety on site, including communication with construction personnel and remote monitoring. 

Dam Construction Site: Starlink satellite antennas and a local 5G system were installed at the site office located at the foot of the mountain.

• Satellite antenna (Starlink): A small antenna (57.5 cm x 51.1 cm) for Starlink satellite communications, provided by Starlink.
• Local 5G system (Flare Systems): 5G CU/DU/RU, 5G SA core, MEC implemented in a small server + 5G antenna  

Local 5G Applications

• Remote site status check: Video from 4K cameras installed at the dam construction site is delivered in real time to a remote office in Ando Hazama via the local 5G network and Starlink satellite communication network. Remote office managers check site conditions.
• Web videoconferencing: Check site status via videoconferencing between officials at the dam construction site and remote office managers.