SoftBank, Murata Manufacturing and CC-Link Partner Association collaborate to advance wireless transformation of industrial infrastructure

Deal Analysis

SoftBank, Murata Manufacturing, and the CC-Link Partner Association have announced a partnership to advance the wireless transformation of industrial infrastructure through the testing of time-sensitive networking (TSN) over a private standalone 5G network. The laboratory demonstration in Japan achieved highly accurate time synchronization, averaging an error of 122ns. This collaboration aims to leverage 5G technology to improve the efficiency and reliability of industrial automation systems. While the financial details of the partnership remain undisclosed, the collaboration signifies a strategic push towards integrating advanced wireless communication into industrial settings. The partnership is notable due to the involvement of SoftBank, a major player in the telecommunications and technology sector, alongside Murata Manufacturing and the CC-Link Partner Association, indicating a combined focus on both connectivity and industrial automation expertise. The successful demonstration of TSN over 5G highlights the potential for this technology to enable real-time control and synchronization in industrial environments. This collaboration could pave the way for wider adoption of private 5G networks in industrial settings, driving innovation and efficiency gains.

Collaboration between SoftBank, Murata Manufacturing, and CC-Link Partner Association.
Focus on time-sensitive networking (TSN) over private 5G for industrial applications.
Successful laboratory demonstration achieving high time synchronization accuracy.
Potential to drive wider adoption of private 5G networks in industrial settings.

Market Context: The industrial 5G market is experiencing growth as companies seek to leverage the technology's low latency, high bandwidth, and reliability for applications such as automation, remote monitoring, and predictive maintenance. Japan is a key market for industrial automation and technology innovation, making it a strategic location for this partnership.

Source Intelligence

KEY DETAILS

The laboratory-based demonstration achieved highly accurate time synchronisation with an average error of 122ns over a 5G network, well below the 3GPP-defined requirement of 900ns or less. Quote: In a joint statement, SoftBank noted the laboratory-based demonstration achieved highly accurate time synchronisation with an average error of 122ns over a 5G network, well below the 3GPP-defined requirement of 900ns or less. CC-Link’s IE TSN Class B–compliant industrial devices operated successfully over the 5G network. Quote: The three companies also confirmed CC-Link’s IE TSN Class B–compliant industrial devices operated successfully over the 5G network.

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Location

The Japanese operator added the demo marks the world’s first successful trial of TSN over 5G by a mobile operator.

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Announcement

SoftBank February 24, 2026

PARTIES MENTIONED IN SOURCE

S

SoftBank Corp partner

"SoftBank Corp, Murata Manufacturing and CC-Link Partner Association claimed to advance the wireless transformation of industrial infrastructure by testing time-sensitive networking (TSN) over a private standalone 5G offering."

M

Murata Manufacturing partner

"SoftBank Corp, Murata Manufacturing and CC-Link Partner Association claimed to advance the wireless transformation of industrial infrastructure by testing time-sensitive networking (TSN) over a private standalone 5G offering."

C

CC-Link Partner Association partner

"SoftBank Corp, Murata Manufacturing and CC-Link Partner Association claimed to advance the wireless transformation of industrial infrastructure by testing time-sensitive networking (TSN) over a private standalone 5G offering."

medium quality Enriched Feb 24, 2026