Everged, Betacom, and The University of Alabama have joined forces to establish a pioneering 5G Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) testbed designed to drive breakthroughs in autonomous mobility, advanced energy systems, and Industry 4.0 applications. The initiative, based at the university’s Alabama Mobility & Power Center (AMP), aims to serve as a model for secure and scalable industrial connectivity.
The project will leverage LG Electronics’ UltraMax 5G ORAN platform to create a robust, cyber-secure private 5G network that integrates smart grid management, autonomous EV charging systems, and industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications. The AMP campus will operate as a living laboratory where researchers, students, and industry partners can test emerging technologies in real-world conditions.
“This partnership is a testament to the power of industry and academia working together to solve complex challenges,” said Johan Bjorklund, CEO of Betacom. “Soon the students and faculty at the University of Alabama will be able to experience the benefits of futuristic applications powered by private 5G.”
Private 5G infrastructure, unlike traditional Wi-Fi, provides software-defined and ultra-secure connectivity capable of supporting thousands of simultaneous connections. This capability enables reliable communication for autonomous systems, data networks, and industrial operations—key components of the Industry 4.0 transformation.
“Autonomous EV charging and next-generation mobility can’t happen without secure, high-performance connectivity,” said Jefferson W. Smith, CEO of Everged. “By combining our expertise with Betacom’s leadership in private 5G and the university’s research environment, we can accelerate the development of autonomous systems and resilient energy infrastructure.”
The collaboration merges Everged’s smart energy expertise, Betacom’s private 5G technology, and LG Electronics’ scalable ORAN platform, providing a foundation for future innovations in energy and transportation. It will also strengthen The University of Alabama’s role as a hub for advanced research in sustainable mobility and power systems.
“This partnership represents a significant step forward for The University of Alabama and the Alabama Mobility & Power Center,” said Mike Oatridge, Executive Director of AMP. “By combining secure 5G ORAN capabilities with advanced energy and charging solutions, we are creating a unique environment for research, innovation, and real-world testing.”
Joonsung Lee, Vice President of 5G Product at LG Electronics, added, “LG Electronics is pleased to collaborate with Betacom, Everged, and Alabama Mobility and Power to provide an easily scalable, redundant, and secure enterprise ORAN solution across the campus.”
