Tū Ātea to build New Zealand's first private 5G network

Tū Ātea is set to construct New Zealand's first commercial Private 5G network for CentrePort in Wellington.

The planned network will serve the port's facilities, which play a crucial role in the nation's freight and transport systems. Once operational in the third quarter of 2025, the network will provide dedicated connectivity for port workers through high-speed connections to devices used in port operations. Specifically, dozens of tablet devices installed in vehicles and cranes will benefit from the enhanced connectivity, assisting in the management of approximately 4 million tonnes of freight annually. The network aims to improve productivity and security, as well as support health and safety measures at the port.

The Private 5G network is set to include several high-power radio transceivers and antennas affixed to existing light-pole infrastructure across CentrePort. These will connect via a fibre optic network to Tū Ātea's Converged Packet Core, which supports both 4G and 5G capabilities. "It means we can provide 5G network slicing to CentrePort, which is a game changer when it comes to offering dedicated wireless capacity for mission-critical operations," said Antony Royal, Chief Executive Officer at Tū Ātea.

5G network slicing allows for the creation of multiple virtual networks atop a singular physical 5G framework. Each "slice" can be specifically configured for different applications based on factors such as latency and throughput, thus enabling more efficient and secure operation of diverse services on the same network structure.

Using Tū Ātea's 'Network-as-a-Service' solution, which operates over its 5G spectrum, CentrePort will be able to avoid congestion issues commonly encountered with public mobile networks and its own Wi-fi services. "Our port is a dynamic environment where reliable and fast communication is vital for the safety of our staff and the overall efficiency of the port," noted Anthony Delaney, Chief Executive Officer of CentrePort.

The complex port environment, where large ships and container stacks often obstruct radio signals, presents coverage challenges. The Private 5G network aims to overcome these barriers, facilitating smart converged network features that CentrePort is planning.

This network aligns with CentrePort's ongoing initiatives to improve operations, such as the implementation of a pilot battery energy storage system and a second solar array, which contribute to resilience and future emission reduction efforts. "This is an exciting opportunity for us show others what can be done and the benefits solutions like a Private 5G network can offer," commented Delaney.

The service reflects a significant accomplishment for Tū Ātea and its partner Mavenir, known for developing 4G and 5G private network solutions. "This network promises to showcase exactly what is possible for New Zealand organisations when they have dedicated high-capacity wireless connectivity on tap," said Pardeep Kohli, President and Chief Executive Officer at Mavenir.

Originating from the Interim Māori Spectrum Commission, Tū Ātea has expanded post-acquisition of Tū Ātea Network Services in late 2023, now employing around 120 staff, including an increasing number of Māori engineers at various levels. Tū Ātea has established itself as a telecommunications company working with Mavenir to address the private network market as of 2025.

"With our spectrum resources, technology and expertise, we see this as an opportunity to partner with existing mobile network operators to bolster their offerings in the enterprise space," commented Royal. "From seaports and airports to manufacturing plants and stadiums, Private 5G networks will power industry 4.0 solutions and underpin innovative new services. We want all New Zealanders to benefit from the pioneering work Tū Ātea is undertaking with customers like CentrePort."