SOURCEOrganization
MxD (Manufacturing x Digital)
Betacom ↗Vendor case studyLocation in source: First paragraphChecked Sep 30, 2026Source date: not stated
Reported deployment
Reported indoor private 5G network at a manufacturing institute in Chicago
A Betacom case study; outcomes are vendor-reported and not independent measurements.
Involved in this project? Suggest a correctionDetails
- Organization
- MxD (Manufacturing x Digital)
- Industry
- manufacturing (research and demonstration institute)
- Region
- Chicago
- Current operating status
- In use as the foundation of the MxD showcase (October 2023)
- Project date
- partnership began 2022; showcase announced October 12, 2023
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Correct the details, or tell us what has changed since it was reported. Use your company email and confirm it, and you’re reviewed first.
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Overview
Betacom became a partner of MxD (Manufacturing x Digital), the Digital Manufacturing Institute and National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing, in May 2022 to provide MxD's Chicago headquarters and Factory Floor Lab with a managed private 5G network that MxD called one of the first indoor private 5G deployments in the US.[1] Betacom designs and manages the network, with Airspan supplying the 5G radio access network and Druid Software the 5G core; RCR Wireless reported that it runs in the CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) band.[1][2] Betacom says the network is part of MxD's 5G testbed, where partners and manufacturers try applications such as mobile assembly lines and automated guided vehicles.[3] In October 2023, Betacom, Google Cloud, and Ingram Micro opened a year-round Industry 4.0 exhibit at MxD built on the network.[4]
At a glance
- Organization
- MxD, the Digital Manufacturing Institute and National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing.[1]
- Location
- MxD headquarters and Factory Floor Lab in Chicago.[1]
- Date reported
- May 24, 2022 (network partnership announced);[1] October 12, 2023 (Industry 4.0 showcase announced).[4]
- Spectrum
- CBRS, according to RCR Wireless.[2] Whether it uses General Authorized Access (GAA) or Priority Access License (PAL) spectrum is not publicly stated.
- Technology
- Private 5G on Druid's Raemis core, which Druid describes as a 3GPP-compliant 5G/4G core; Druid's CEO referred to Raemis as a 5G standalone (SA) platform in the announcement.[1] Betacom said it also works with MxD teams on when private 4G is the better fit and when 5G is needed.[5]
- Scale as reported
- The MxD Factory Floor covers 22,000 square feet with multiple manufacturing lines.[5] The number of radios is not publicly stated.
- Vendors and roles
- Betacom: network design, deployment, and management through its cloud-based Security and Service Operations Center. Airspan: 5G radio access network. Druid Software: 5G core software.[1] Google Cloud and Ingram Micro joined Betacom in the 2023 showcase.[4]
- Status
- Not publicly stated after October 2023, when Betacom said the exhibit built on the network was open year-round.[4]
How the network is used
- A testbed for industrial automation, including mobile assembly lines and automated guided vehicles.[3]
- Demonstrations of smart manufacturing (machine vision, AI, robotics), digital workforce tools (mobile devices and assisted reality), supply chain visibility (inventory and asset tracking), and safety and security applications.[4]
- Support for MxD projects such as its Digital Manufacturing Playbook.[5]
Reported results
As reported by the sources below; not independently verified.
- Betacom says it has deployed and is operating the network, which it calls one of the nation's first indoor private 5G networks. This is a vendor claim.[5]
- Betacom says the 2023 showcase demonstrates working solutions for uses such as machine vision, predictive analytics, and real-time inventory tracking. No measured results were published.[4]
Timeline
Betacom, Google Cloud, and Ingram Micro unveil a year-round Industry 4.0 exhibit at MxD powered by the private 5G network.[4]
RCR Wireless reports that the MxD network runs in the CBRS band.[2]
MxD announces Betacom as a partner that will provide its headquarters and Factory Floor Lab with a private 5G network built with Airspan and Druid Software.[1]
How to interpret this record
This record keeps the source's anonymous customer label and reported status. A case study does not establish current operation, reproducible performance, or independent verification.
Learn more
- Private 5G networks explained: what they are, how they work, what they cost and who sells themA plain-English guide to private 5G: what it is, the parts you need, CBRS spectrum, ways to deploy, cost drivers and U.S. examples.
- Private LTE networks: what they are and how to set one upWhat a private LTE network is, why most private networks still use LTE, the CBRS spectrum and equipment you need, and how to set one up.
- Private LTE vs private 5G: which one do you need?Private LTE or private 5G? The real differences, which devices work, what affects cost, and how to move from LTE to 5G later.
- How much does a private LTE or 5G network cost?What a private LTE or 5G network costs: three example budgets from about $10,000, what you pay for, CBRS and SAS fees, and ongoing costs.
Sources
Researched Oct 1, 2026. Manufacturer and vendor statements are their claims, not independent tests.
- Betacom Selected to Deliver One of US' First Indoor Private 5G Networks to Accelerate Manufacturing Innovation at MxD — MxD, May 24, 2022. Accessed Oct 1, 2026.
- Betacom taps Airspan, Druid for private 5G install at US Manufacturing Institute — RCR Wireless News, May 30, 2022. Accessed Oct 1, 2026.
- Betacom and MxD: Partners Focused on the Future of Manufacturing — MxD. Accessed Oct 1, 2026.
- Betacom, Google Cloud and Ingram Micro Create Innovation Showcase for Industry 4.0 at MxD — Betacom, Oct 12, 2023. Accessed Oct 1, 2026.
- Welcome to the Digital Manufacturing Institute — Betacom, May 24, 2022. Accessed Oct 1, 2026.
Every detail in the table at the top comes from these sources. Open the source details for each fact’s publisher, evidence type, date, and where it appears.
Source details (7)
SOURCEIndustry
manufacturing (research and demonstration institute)
Betacom ↗Vendor case studyLocation in source: First paragraphChecked Sep 30, 2026Source date: not stated
SOURCERegion
Chicago
Betacom ↗Vendor case studyLocation in source: BodyChecked Sep 30, 2026Source date: not stated
SOURCEOperating status
in use as the foundation of the MxD showcase (October 2023)
Betacom ↗Vendor case studyLocation in source: Body, paragraph on the 2022 partnershipChecked Sep 30, 2026Source date: not stated
SOURCEProject date
partnership began 2022; showcase announced October 12, 2023
Betacom ↗Vendor case studyLocation in source: BodyChecked Sep 30, 2026Source date: not stated
SOURCEReported use case
Factory Floor Lab showcase: automation, machine vision, predictive analytics, real-time inventory tracking
Betacom ↗Vendor case studyLocation in source: First paragraphChecked Sep 30, 2026Source date: not stated
SOURCEVendors Named
Betacom; Google Cloud; Ingram Micro
Betacom ↗Vendor case studyLocation in source: HeadlineChecked Sep 30, 2026Source date: not stated