Orange and Ericsson launch 5G slice for emergencies

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Orange and Ericsson have launched a dedicated 5G network slice to support Madrid’s emergency services with enhanced connectivity. The deployment is designed to improve communication reliability and performance for first responders during critical incidents. What happened: Dedicated 5G slice goes live for Madrid emergency services Orange, in partnership with Ericsson, has deployed a dedicated 5G network slice for Madrid’s emergency services.

The initiative, developed with local authorities, is intended to provide secure, high-performance connectivity tailored specifically to the needs of police, fire and medical response teams operating in the Spanish capital. Network slicing allows operators to partition a single physical 5G network into multiple virtual segments, each optimised for specific use cases. In this case, Orange and Ericsson have configured a slice that prioritises low latency, high reliability and strong coverage for authorised public safety users.

The slice runs alongside commercial 5G traffic on the same infrastructure but is logically separated to ensure performance does not degrade during peak demand. According to Orange, the deployment supports real-time video streaming, rapid data transfer and critical voice communication, all of which are essential during emergency responses. Ericsson’s core and radio systems manage the slice, coordinating traffic and ensuring that emergency services maintain connectivity even under network stress.

The initiative represents one of the first live uses of 5G slicing for public safety in Spain, and follows a broader trend where operators collaborate with equipment partners to tailor 5G networks for specialised applications. Orange has also been exploring similar technologies for industrial customers, transport authorities and enterprise users.

Also Read: Orange Money and Visa push deeper into online payments Also Read: Ericsson and stc group sign five-year agreement to upgrade 5G infrastructure in Saudi Arabia Why it’s important The introduction of a dedicated 5G slice for emergency services in Madrid highlights how next-generation mobile networks can support critical public infrastructure. Traditional mobile networks often struggle during emergencies, when traffic spikes and coverage gaps can impede effective communication. A dedicated slice mitigates these issues by reserving network resources exclusively for first responders.

This deployment also demonstrates the practical value of 5G beyond consumer use cases such as streaming and gaming. Reliable, low-latency connectivity can make a tangible difference in life-critical situations, enabling faster information sharing and coordination across agencies. Moreover, the project aligns with wider efforts across Europe to modernise public safety communications. Countries including the UK, France and Germany are exploring 5G-based solutions to replace or augment legacy radio systems, often in tandem with broadband push-to-talk and mission-critical services.

For Orange and Ericsson, the collaboration underscores their capability to deliver flexible, future-ready networks capable of supporting diverse and demanding use cases. As urban areas adopt smart city technologies, the ability to allocate tailored network slices for specific sectors emergency services, transport or utilities will become increasingly valuable.