Nokia, Telia, and the Finnish military have successfully conducted the first standalone 5G slice handover between multiple countries on a live network. This significant trial, held in March as part of a Nordic exercise, demonstrated 5G’s ability to support mission-critical applications for defense and essential sectors. The trial involved maintaining a continuous and secure data connection within a dedicated 5G network slice that seamlessly transitioned across three Telia-operated networks in three countries. Major General Jarmo Vähätiitto of the Finnish Defence Command highlighted the trial’s significance in showcasing dual-use possibilities within the NATO domain, crucial for enhancing communication capabilities during international coalition operations. Network slicing, which allocates specific capacity within a 5G network for particular services or customers, is vital for ensuring security and reliability in mission-critical communications.
Telia Finland’s CTO, Jari Collin, emphasized that commercial 5G networks were instrumental in satisfying the needs of the Finnish Defence Forces, proving their effectiveness in critical defense communications. Nokia’s Mobile Networks President, Tommi Uitto, called the seamless 5G slice continuity over borders a breakthrough for defense operations, enabling secure and reliable communications for collaborative missions beyond national boundaries.
The trial also noted Telia’s deployment of 5G network slicing in the broadcast and mining industries, showcasing its adaptability for various demanding applications. This achievement marks a significant advancement in 5G technology, underlining the growing trend of using commercial technology for specialized and mission-critical communications across diverse sectors.