BT taps AWS Wavelength to kickstart ‘new generation’ of IoT benefits

BT is partnering with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to kickstart a “new generation” of IoT benefits.

The UK’s largest telco by subscribers will use AWS Wavelength – which embeds compute and storage services within 5G networks – to enable ultra-low latency applications.

Alex Tempest, MD for BT Wholesale, said:

“As we continue to build best-in-class 5G infrastructure for the UK, launching the AWS Wavelength service for our business and wholesale customers is a hugely important step on our journey – bringing the power of the cloud to the UK’s best network.

It’s set to unlock use cases like IoT cameras to help first responders keep communities safe: a real-life example of using tech to connect for good.”

The collaboration is part of BT’s investment to enhance its existing mobile networks.

A new AWS ‘Wavelength Zone’ will be switched on in Manchester which will enable businesses and public organisations within a 100km radius – including cities such as Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, and Blackpool – to conduct trials.

Wavelength zones are the locations where AWS resources are deployed at the edge of 5G networks. Developers can extend a virtual private cloud to Wavelength Zones and use AWS services like Amazon EC2 instances to run applications that require single-digit millisecond latency.

BT expects the integration of AWS Wavelength will support organisations in deploying IoT solutions including autonomous vehicles, cameras for policing and other public services to help protect communities, live media production for outside broadcast, smart industrial robots, and community healthcare (such as fall monitoring.)

“By building cloud edge services into our 5G and 4G EE network, we can accelerate innovation across industries, and bring fast, secure data processing closer to where our customers need it most,” adds Tempest.

“Ultimately, we want to give businesses and public sector organisations all the power of edge computing, wherever they are.”

(Photo by Marius Masalar on Unsplash)

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Tags: 5g, amazon web services, aws wavelength, bt, cloud, edge, edge computing, ee, europe, infrastructure, internet of things, IoT, networks, uk