EITB’s Teknopolis programme dedicated its latest broadcast to exploring whether 5G is an evolution or a true technological revolution. Under this title, the programme was structured in four thematic blocks that showed the current state of the technology, its applications in industry and research, as well as its future projection. The Somorrostro Training Centre played a leading role, showing how Vocational Training is positioning itself at the forefront of this technology.

After a general introduction by Aitor Iturrioz, researcher responsible for cloud technologies and 5G at Tknika, on the potential of 5G, the programme analysed the experience of Petronor, one of the first companies in Spain to implement a private 5G network in a critical industrial environment. This network makes it possible, among other things, to operate inspection robots, improve communications security and optimise processes through the massive collection of data in real time.

However, one of the central blocks of the programme was the one that showed how the Somorrostro Training Centre has integrated 5G into its teaching and research processes. Professors Vicente Llarena and María Santisteban explained how students are being trained in this technology from a practical and innovative approach. In the specific 5G research classroom, students of cycles such as telematic networks, radio communications or audiovisual production configure and manage real private 5G networks, experimenting with the different elements that make them up: from the core to the connected devices.

A concrete example shown in the programme was the live broadcasting of a videopodcast over the school’s internal 5G network. The students were in charge of technical control, data traffic monitoring and network performance analysis, replicating real audiovisual production scenarios with high technical demands. In addition, other ongoing projects were highlighted, such as the application of 5G networks to the coverage of sporting events in the mountains, and the use of a mobile unit as a research laboratory to demonstrate the potential of 5G in different environments.

Thanks to the collaboration with Tknika and other entities such as the Tartanga Centre and Mondragón Unibertsitatea, Somorrostro is allowing students not only to learn about the technology, but also to be trained with real tools and actively contribute to its development. This practical and specialised training positions our students as professionals prepared to lead the changes that 5G will bring to the world of work.