Vertical: Forestry
Application: Drones, video
Ecosystem: Nokia, Tele2
Private Network: 5G
AirForestry , with the aid of Tele2 and Nokia, have partnered to use private 5G wireless networks to enable sustainable forestry in Sweden. The high-bandwidth 5G network provides connectivity for sensors and data collection tools used for precision forestry. This allows for more targeted and efficient forest management practices that are better for the environment. The companies aim to develop new digital solutions to optimize forest operations and reduce environmental impact.
“Nokia is thrilled to be part of this project partnering with Tele2. Airforestry’s approach to forestry is truly disruptive. It is resource-efficient and reduces damage on the ground level to an absolute minimum. One of the challenges is precise navigation of the drones and a state-of-the-art 5G private wireless network that is the perfect technology to support this application,” said Stephane Haulbert, Nokia Enterprise Partners Business Leader in Europe.
AirForestry is using six-meter-wide electric drones to visually inspect the forested areas and haul away trees. The private 5G network will be deployed in remote areas where there is often no other cellular coverage. These temporary networks will provide the high-capacity and low-latency necessary for drone operations. The 5G pilot will run in 2024.
“Our drones require efficient and reliable data transmission to be able to handle all the data they send and receive when harvesting and thinning forests. We looked at different options regarding connectivity, but in the end a mobile private 5G network was the one that suited our specific needs best,” said Olle Gelin, CEO and co-founder of Airforestry.
A private cellular network was also deployed in Canada.