Vodafone and Ericsson have developed a preemptive support service for Foxconn’s 5G-powered factory in Hungary. The service ensures continuous private 5G availability at the site at Komárom, which relies on 5G in the production of server towers and PCs.

Based on AI and machine learning, Service Continuity for private networks can preemptively sense if something might result performance degradation. Corrective actions are then taken by Vodafone locally together with Ericsson’s centralised team. This helps ensure that uptimes that are better than in traditional telecom networks.

Foxconn relies on non-fixed 5G-based test cars, on which newly manufactured PCs are tested before packaging at their plant in Hungary. Private networks are replacing traditional wired factory networks. 5G provides firms more flexible and secure connectivity. It has transformed Foxconn’s core business-critical operations at Komárom.

The preemptive Service Continuity solution ensures flexibility and trouble-free operations once the network goes live. Network outages in manufacturing environments such as Foxconn’s can bring production to a halt, and the solution reduces the risk of costly downtime by proactively identifying and averting such risks.

Mátyás Dobó, Vodafone Business Director, said: “We are very conscious of the trust placed by Foxconn in Vodafone and have worked jointly with Ericsson to create this unique technical assistance offering for enterprises to ensure that the operation of their private networks is free of unplanned interruptions.”

Nello Califano, Head of Strategy and Portfolio Management, Ericsson Business Area Networks, said: “We are constantly working with Vodafone to evolve the private networks space for enterprises, and this AI and ML-based support service is a testimony to that work. We are pleased to collaborate with Vodafone Hungary to ensure that enterprises like Foxconn can become wire-free in their operations, communication, and connectivity requirements. Added to this is the flexibility to change production setup without disruption, and to adapt to changing business needs.”