ArcelorMittal France has announced the operational launch of ‘5G Steel’, which it claims to be the largest 4G/5G private network in an industrial environment. The network, deployed by Orange Business and Ericsson, will improve sustainability and help reduce carbon emissions at the steel plant through applications to assess steel density and composition, and conduct inspections and safety audits. 5G steel is currently deployed on the ArcelorMittal sites in Dunkerque and Mardyck (Northern France), and will be extended to other sites in 2023.
Private 5G networks can be customised to meet the specific needs of different industries, making them ideal for deployment across multiple verticals and a wide range of applications. The launch of this network demonstrates the opportunity in the steel industry and the important role of operators in deploying private 5G networks and developing new use cases. Crucially, it also highlights the potential for enhanced connectivity, which private 5G networks can deliver, to help other industries meet their climate targets. GSMA Intelligence research shows that enterprises in all verticals find new technologies such as 5G and private networks compelling to advance their digital transformation.