Ericsson has deployed a private 5G network in the French City of Istres. The deployment improves coordination and rapid response capabilities through advanced fixed and mobile video surveillance and encrypted communications. The initiative supports Istres’ long-term goals of AI integration and smart city expansion, and sets a model for other mid-sized European smart cities.

Carried out in partnership with SPIE and Unitel, the deployment aims to boost public safety and enable AI-powered urban solutions through advanced video surveillance and encrypted communication channels.

Istres intends to use the private 5G network to advance its low-carbon industrial zone ambitions in Fos-sur-Mer, establishing a model for other mid-sized cities transitioning to digital and low-carbon operations.

Ericsson worked with SPIE and Unitel Group on network integration to enhance the city’s emergency response capabilities through improved coordination and rapid deployment of surveillance technology.

According to Ericsson, conventional fibre installation for each camera would be €30,000, including ducts, civil works, installation, and the camera itself. At Istres, the private 5G setup cost only €5,000 per camera, including installation, a 5G router, and the camera.

Installing ten cameras covered the network’s cost and yielded a positive ROI.

The project objectives include AI integration and smart city expansion. It has contributed to sustainability goals such as reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption.

François Bernardini, Mayor of Istres, said: “This private 5G initiative is central to Istres’ strategy for resilience, sovereignty, and innovation. Above all, it lays the foundation for next-generation public services — more connected, responsive, and tailored to the needs of our citizens.”

Duncan Hawkins, VP EMEA, Enterprise 5G at Ericsson said, “The City of Istres is emerging as a pioneer of urban resilience and innovation in Europe. By embracing digital transformation and recognising the limitations of traditional urban planning, Istres has turned to private 5G to deploy a scalable, non-intrusive communications network that supports next-generation public services. As one of the first mid-sized European cities to adopt this approach, Istres is paving the way for the modernisation of public services and the financial optimisation of municipal operations — offering a valuable model for cities across Europe looking to build on this experience.”