Vertical: Healthcare
Application: drones, improved throughput, smart monitoring
Ecosystem: Telia
Private Network: 5G
Private 5G networks are reshaping healthcare delivery, as demonstrated by an ambitious new implementation at northern Sweden’s Skellefteå Hospital. Through a forward-thinking partnership between Telia and Region Västerbotten, this major medical facility is embracing next-generation connectivity to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.
At the heart of this initiative lies the potential to revolutionize emergency response. Imagine drones transmitting vital accident scene information directly to approaching ambulances and waiting emergency teams, allowing medical staff to prepare precise interventions before patients arrive. The network’s impressive speed and reliability enable healthcare providers to instantly access detailed medical imaging, from complex scans to mammography results, leading to faster and more informed treatment decisions.
Behind the scenes, the 5G infrastructure brings remarkable improvements to daily operations. Smart sensors deployed throughout the facility monitor everything from energy consumption to indoor air quality, while advanced analytics help optimize resource usage. This modern network actually consumes just a fraction of the energy required by previous mobile technologies, marking a significant step toward sustainability in healthcare infrastructure.
The project benefits from its integration with the NorthStar innovation program, a collaborative effort between Telia and Ericsson. This connection gives Skellefteå Hospital unique access to experimental 5G applications still under development, positioning it at the forefront of medical technology advancement.
Security stands as a cornerstone of this implementation, with robust features protecting sensitive medical data through enhanced encryption and user authentication protocols. The system’s built-in redundancy ensures continuous operation even during critical situations, maintaining essential communications when they matter most.
With substantial backing from the EU’s CEF2 Digital program – over SEK 50 million – this initiative represents a significant investment in Europe’s digital future. The project’s timeline, extending from early 2025 through 2027, allows for thorough testing and refinement of these cutting-edge healthcare applications.
Magnus Leonhardt, leading strategy and innovation for Telia’s Swedish business customers, captures the project’s essence: “This is an exciting and timely project that focuses on how new technologies like 5G can improve healthcare – something that affects us all. The region and the hospital can reinforce their infrastructure and test what 5G can do in reality, which opens up the possibility of broader use of connected digital solutions.”
