Small Bases

Purpose

Ensuring comprehensive mobile network coverage in all geographic areas where people choose to live represents a significant challenge for major telecommunications operators. After approximately 40 years of mobile system expansion in Sweden, it can be concluded that areas currently lacking coverage are likely to remain without coverage in the future. This issue has been further exacerbated by the shutdown of the 2G and 3G networks.

The project is based on the need for a revised approach, where more stakeholders are given the opportunity to collaboratively expand coverage with local control, for example through smaller LoRa-based solutions. Such a model can contribute to improved connectivity in areas that currently lack satisfactory coverage.

The purpose of the project is to collect and further develop experiences of collaborative network expansion and, with the support of available LoRa technology, demonstrate the benefits and design possibilities of a solution that can emulate how future 6G standards may be deployed in a more inclusive and robust way

Implementation

The project analyses design criteria, ownership models, and business models for scalable deployment of coverage solutions tailored to smaller rural municipalities.

Furthermore, current needs and use cases that influence value creation and demand in these areas are mapped, with particular focus on the health and social care sector and the demographic challenges characterising rural regions.

The project also considers future needs and opportunities, including coverage requirements for autonomous vehicles and the integration of new technological solutions that can enable a long-term sustainable infrastructure.

The starting point is the insight that areas without existing coverage often do not have extensive capacity requirements. This creates conditions for simpler, more cost-efficient, and low-maintenance solutions that can simultaneously contribute to increased robustness and scalability.

Skellefteå Science City is responsible for the work related to business models, ownership models, and design criteria, and coordinates the collaboration between the project partners.

Project partners

Lunds Tekniska Högskola, Skellefteå Science City, Dorotea kommun, Ericsson, Fyra Punkter, Försvarshögskolan, Karlstads Energi, Karlstad kommun, Lycksele kommun, Länstyrelsen i Västerbotten, PTEH, Sensative, SiteMax, Tavelsjö Byanät ekonomisk förening, Telepeer, Vilhelmina kommun, Åsele kommun, Östersunds kommun