Now the holes in the mobile networks are being plugged again

Mobile coverage is a matter of preparedness, security and the ability to live and work in sparsely populated areas. Region Norrbotten is therefore participating in public-private partnerships to improve mobile coverage where market forces are not sufficient to plug the holes in the mobile networks. The work recently resulted in a new mast being erected in the Luleå archipelago.

For people who live and stay in sparsely populated areas, such as the mountains and the archipelago, stable mobile coverage is crucial for being able to communicate with the outside world. That is why Region Norrbotten is actively participating in the Rural ICT Testbed - #fullcoverage project. The project aims to improve mobile coverage in sparsely populated areas with innovative solutions. In this way, it contributes to reducing the increasing digital exclusion.

Within #fullcoverage, installations have been carried out in the mountains along the Kungsleden trail south of Abisko, for example. Autonomous base stations, without fixed electricity or fiber connections, create coverage in roadless land.

Strengthens society's preparedness

The new, 45-meter-high, community mast is now in place on Storbrändön in the Luleå archipelago. When the electricity connection is in place, it will play an important role in strengthening community preparedness and increasing safety. It will be particularly important for shipping in the area by improving coverage and capacity for mobile telephony and broadband services.

- There are many years of work behind the mast on Storbrändön. It feels good that it is finally in place and can soon start to benefit residents, visitors and professionals in the archipelago, says Roger Ylinenpää, strategist responsible for rural areas and broadband at Region Norrbotten. 

The project is part of VINNOVA's Challenge-driven Innovation program. It includes 34 partners and is coordinated by Luleå University of Technology.

For more information about the project, visit: www.fulltäking.se

Text: Sara Stylbäck Vesa