Deutsche Telekom completes 5G prototyping program for startups

Deutsche Telekom has concluded its 5G prototyping program, which saw 18 startups from nine countries trial new network applications at a testing facility in Berlin. The project utilized 5G and Edge Computing infrastructure to explore use cases ranging from industrial robotics to augmented reality (AR) in live sports.

By leveraging Edge Computing, where processing power is moved closer to the user to minimize latency, participants developed tools such as haptic gloves for virtual training and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) for factory logistics. The program aimed to move beyond theoretical models, with all 15 resulting projects producing functional prototypes presented at a summit this week.

Claudia Nemat, Board Member for Technology and Innovation at Deutsche Telekom, stated that the initiative provided essential feedback on which 5G services are commercially viable. The company is now evaluating individual projects for potential integration into its partner ecosystem.