The workload at “Vasil Levski“ Airport is increasing with each passing year. Last year alone, it served over 8 million passengers. The ambition is for the capital's airport to become a 5-star destination for passengers.
The next step towards this was taken today with the presentation of an innovative private 5G mobile network, which will be implemented over the next 36 months. Sofia Airport is the fourth in Europe out of a total of 600 airports that will implement the system in question. So far, it is available at one of the largest European hubs, Frankfurt Airport, Vienna and Amsterdam airports.
“With the new technology, we will put Vasil Levski Airport on the world map with the first private network that will provide services for airport staff, as well as advanced monitoring, video surveillance, and tracking of objects and people on the airport territory. This will bring a better experience for passengers, regulation of queues, and enhanced security“ said Todor Tashev, Senior Director of Networks and Services at A1, who presented the system in detail. He explained that there is no more suitable place for the implementation of the project.
In reality, the 5G network is a network for all airport visitors. They receive normal priority for their calls, data services, and more. But when an event occurs - whether it is a gathering of more people or something else, the airport staff must receive a higher priority for their communications. This includes the airport fire brigade, the ground staff. This will be the so-called “private network“. It always comes out with a higher priority and these people will be able to communicate with their colleagues in order to carry out the activities.
There will also be the so-called push to talk and push to video. It will be used when information needs to be communicated to all airport staff or video needs to be streamed from the scene of an event. “High priority is sometimes vital and that is why there are also external services - external fire department, ambulances, police and others. When they enter the airport's coverage area - 8 sq. km, they will be able to use the private network and receive the high priority for their calls“, added Tashev.
“The development of innovations and technological solutions to improve business and the quality of life in Bulgaria is the basis of A1's strategy. We are proud that we will turn “Vasil Levski“ Sofia Airport into one of the most modern in the world in terms of passenger comfort and safety. This project will demonstrate our technological expertise, experienced team and high-quality 5G ULTRA network“, concluded Tashev.
“Today marks the beginning of a significant project at “Vasil Levski“ airport, which becomes one of the four airports in Europe that will use a 5G network. Thus, Bulgaria becomes a European pioneer in the digital transformation of aviation. It is no coincidence that the EU supports the project with almost 4.5 million EUR. It creates an opportunity for faster communication, safer travel, for more comfort for passengers. Bulgaria has all the prerequisites to become a regional leader in high technologies and this is happening thanks to its strategic location and the availability of talents“, said Yordanka Chobanova, Head of the EC Representation in Bulgaria, during the presentation of the project.