In a groundbreaking initiative, the Finnish military, alongside Telia and Nokia, has successfully executed the first standalone 5G slice handover across multiple countries on a live network. This significant trial, conducted in March during a Nordic exercise, illustrates the potential of 5G technology to enhance mission-critical capabilities in defense and other essential sectors. The test maintained a continuous and secure data connection across dedicated 5G network slices as it transitioned through three networks operated by Telia in different countries. This seamless connectivity is vital for modern defense forces, particularly as personnel often operate collaboratively in international coalitions, requiring reliable access to applications and services that extend beyond national borders.
Major General Jarmo Vähätiitto, Chief of C5 at the Finnish Defence Command, emphasized the importance of the trial, stating it demonstrates the dual-use capabilities of 5G for defense and strengthens communication within NATO operations. He expressed satisfaction with Telia and Nokia as partners in this project and outlined eagerness to further integrate 5G into military operations. The utilization of network slicing—allocating specific capacity within a 5G network for designated services—underscores the security and reliability necessary for critical communications. Jari Collin, CTO at Telia Finland, remarked on how 5G and network slicing facilitate secure communications and are pioneering new pathways for integrating commercial technology in defense.
Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia, noted that the ability to maintain 5G slice continuity across borders marks a significant advancement for defense operations, enhancing the security of collaborative missions. Beyond defense applications, Telia has also implemented 5G network slicing for industries such as broadcasting and mining, reflecting the wide-ranging versatility of this technology across multiple demanding sectors.