VMO2 and Accenture join forces to develop apps for enterprise 5G private network sector

Virgin Media O2 and IT consulting and services giant Accenture have teamed up to develop applications for businesses interested in utilising 5G mobile private networks.

The technology includes computer vision AI for product quality control monitoring of equipment to meet factory floor compliance requirements and queue management systems.

The applications are built on Accenture’s Edge Orchestration Platform and will incorporate edge computing, data, AI, and embedded cybersecurity. Initially, they will be designed for the construction, transportation and logistics, manufacturing, utilities, warehousing, and sports venue sectors.

Virgin Media O2’s 5G private network capabilities for UK businesses will be augmented by Accenture’s expertise in helping enterprises realize the potential of 5G with applications for multiple industry segments – including computer vision artificial intelligence for product quality control monitoring of equipment to meet factory floor compliance requirements and queue management systems to improve customer experiences.

Joint owners of Virgin Media O2, Telefónica, and Liberty Global, are considering rolling out the applications developed outside of the UK.

Mobile private networks have been deployed by Virgin Media O2 Business in the UK’s first 5G-connected hospital. The South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust used 5G tech to support mission-critical hospital activity such as clinician workflow, patient record management, monitoring of smart medicine storage, and seamless integration of connected devices.

Jo Bertram, Managing Director of Business and Wholesale at Virgin Media O2, said: “This new partnership with Accenture leverages their industry-specific knowledge and digital platform and solutions to help broaden our offering to businesses.”

Andy Tay, Global Lead at Accenture Cloud First, said: “Enterprises need to reinvent their networks to become agile and competitive. It starts with access to reliable and secure mobile connectivity and a strong digital core that uses cloud, data, artificial intelligence, and other technologies alongside new ways of working.”