
9 minute read
Share
A new mobile 5G Network on Wheels from Telenor demonstrates how cutting-edge digital technologies play a vital part in safeguarding people in search and rescue operations. First responders say it symbolises a quantum leap in the use of technology in emergencies.
J rgen Hauge Skogmo of the Norwegian Air Ambulance has just received bad news. In Fossbergom, a small Norwegian village neighbouring some of Northern Europe's highest peaks, a person is missing in difficult terrain. Time and efficiency are - as always in search and rescue (SAR) missions - crucial.
The good news is that the operation is an exercise, or a demo, to be precise. And if the situation was real, which isn't unlikely given that the number of SAR operations in Norway is increasing [1], he would, in this particular operation, have a new 5G powered asset at his disposal.
We have demonstrated how a new standalone private network on wheels can provide first responders with better situational awareness based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) processed video of the disaster scene transmitted from 5G powered drones. The processing helps operators detect potential victims in need of assistance. This enables rescue operators to respond more effectively to the emergency, thus increasing the chances of saving lives, says Skogmo.
[1] Figure 26 and 27
Did you know?: Telenor introduced the worlds most diverse multi-vendor 5G Standalone to date in 2021
NOW saves precious timeAt the recent ULENDT., an interdisciplinary training camp for Norwegian SAR operators, Telenor with Intel and the Norwegian Air Ambulance demonstrated the use of a proof-of-concept 5G Network on Wheels (NOW) in a disaster scenario.
The idea is that when a crisis occurs, the 5G Network on Wheels is driven and deployed in the vicinity of the rescue operation area. A drone is sent out from the vehicle and transmits video back to the mobile control room continuously using a private 5G network, explains Kashif Mahmood, Director, Next Generation Platform in Telenor Group.
Drones are ideal because they require less time to prepare and disembark and more easily can access challenging terrain compared to humans, says Kashif Mahmood, Director, Next Generation Platform in Telenor Group.
For first responders, a reliable network that allows for coordinated operation is crucial.
A private network which is implemented as a slice' in the commercial network where all the relevant authorities can participate provides exactly that, says Mahmood.
Inside the NOW control room, the video is processed by an Intel-developed Machine Learning algorithm that is trained to recognise relevant elements, such as humans, dogs, and cars.
We believe the video analytic solution will help drastically reduce the time search and rescue teams spend searching for people. From a tech perspective, we also hope the solution can highlight the positive impact AI can have on a societal level, says Thomas Melzer, Data Center & AI Lab Manager - Intel.
Also read: A collaboration arena in Norway aims to accelerate the uptake of AI in businesses
Intel's Bj rn Run ker observes as the AI algorithm identifies a human in the drone transmitted video during the NOW demo at ULENDT. in Lom municipality in Norway.
Freeing up capabilities Although the 5G Network on Wheels is on the proof-of-concept stage, I believe we, in essence, have made a quantum leap when it comes to the use of technology in search and rescue operations, proclaims Skogmo.
For him, the answer to the increasing emergency events and emergency calls is not the unrealistic scenario of buying a hundred new ambulances annually.
If we instead utilise new technologies, we can work faster and thus earn precious time on patient's and victim's behalf. Innovations such as the 5G Network on Wheels can also free up valuable operational capabilities. We don't have to fly helicopters on every call, we can use the drones to get a much better situational awareness.
Learn more: Mobile technology and data can help predict and prevent the spread of diseases
J rgen Hauge Skogmo, Project manager in the Norwegian Air Ambulance's technology division, says the partnership with Telenor and Intel has generated impressive results in a short time. We have pushed each other technologically, and I think that the 5G Network on Wheels also shows that there is a lot to gain from increased cooperation between technology actors and search and rescue operators.
Award-winning projectThe NOW has been developed as part of the EU funded FUDGE-5G project. The solution has also gained recognition from the industry, bagging the Best use of advanced technology award at the International Critical Communications Awards 2022.
The award is a testimony to the work we have done on private 5G networks in Telenor Research and Innovation over the last few years. The project exemplifies how digitalisation can play a role in safeguarding people, says Patrick Waldemar, Vice President of Telenor Research and Innovation , who adds that Telenor's research arm aims to continue exploring the features of private 5G networks in upcoming EU projects.
Telenor Norway, which recently showcased how private 5G networks can play a key role in covering the Norwegian Armed Forces unique communication needs, says the NOW proof-of-concept is a good example of the range of possibilities that lies in the future emergency networks.
The ability to quickly establish a common situational awareness after a disaster has occurred is of great importance for the first responders. With this technology, valuable information can be shared and lives can be saved. This will be one of the many advantages for Next Generation N dnett in Norway, which will base its operation on the commercial mobile networks, says Siri Kalager, Vice President C
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
15/11/2026
Can VideoProc AI Really Reduce Noise and Enhance Blurry, Old Footage? Real-World...
14/11/2026
Longtime MLB Network employee David Maybrown passed away Thursday at the age of 57. David joined MLB Network in 2009 shortly after its launch, beginning as an i...
14/11/2026
Modular innovators introduce two guitar-based products
ADDAC System's recently introduced Four String Series makes it possible to integrate physical str...
14/11/2026
Marcelo Dai's Live Session Captured with URSA Cine Immersive
Brie Clayton November 14, 2026
0 Comments
Artist takes viewers on an immersive journe...
14/11/2026
Share
{alert(Link copied)}).catch(err => {console.error(Failed to copy: , err)}) data-platform=copy_link data-action= class=font-ui-heading py-2 text-sm tex...
14/11/2026
Share
{alert(Link copied)}).catch(err => {console.error(Failed to copy: , err)}) data-platform=copy_link data-action= class=font-ui-heading py-2 text-sm tex...
14/11/2026
Newest Lenses, Horizon Anamorphic Seminar & Guided Lens Character Experience Highlight Creative Possibilities
At the 2026 Toru CAMERIMAGE Film Festival, ZEISS...
14/11/2026
Sonnet Announces Black Friday Sale on Select Products
Brie Clayton November 14, 2026
0 Comments
WHAT: Sonnet Technologies is having a sale on a select...
14/11/2026
Berklee Alumni Shine at the 2026 Latin Grammy Awards This year's winners included songwriters, engineers, and performers who contributed to acclaimed reco...
13/11/2026
The UIM E1 Series wraps its third season this week with the Bombay Sapphire E1 Miami GP, Nov. 11-14, on Biscayne Bay at the Miami Seaplane Base on Watson Island...
13/11/2026
In-venue and creative video staffers at the professional and collegiate level ha...
13/11/2026
Singer-songwriter Benson Boone will headline entertainment for the Discover NHL Winter Classic between the Utah Mammoth and Colorado Avalanche at Rice-Eccles St...
13/11/2026
Blackmagic Design has announced the Blackmagic Ambisonic Microphone, a 7th order ambisonic microphone array that captures spatial audio for immersive video prod...
13/11/2026
SMPTE has announced that The Studio B&H and Riedel Communications will provide the video infrastructure and communications technology for the Solutions Hub at t...
13/11/2026
The Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) has announced the theme and program focus for the 2027 HPA Tech Retreat, which takes place Feb. 14-18, 2027, in La ...
13/11/2026
Football Manager 27 Touch is available on Apple Arcade starting today. The game ...
13/11/2026
MotoGP has announced a two-year media rights agreement with ESPN covering the Un...
13/11/2026
Apple Sports, the free iPhone app, has added the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to its lineup of supported sports, in time for Saturday's UFC 334. The...
13/11/2026
The NBA and Fanatics Studios, the joint venture between Fanatics and entertainme...
13/11/2026
ESPN held its annual EDGE Innovation Conference last night and offered up an ove...
13/11/2026
Regional sports network gives Ithaca College, SUNY Cortland students a platform to thrive
One of the biggest games in Division III college football will be pla...
13/11/2026
Studer-inspired 500-series PWM compressor unveiled
The HLabs range already includes a couple of Studer-inspired offerings in the form of the PRE169 and EQ16...
13/11/2026
Download Now!
To view the white paper, please enter the following details:
--
First Name* First Name
Company*
Country* Please select your countryA...
13/11/2026
Share
{alert(Link copied)}).catch(err => {console.error(Failed to copy: , err)}) data-platform=copy_link data-action= class=font-ui-heading py-2 text-sm tex...
13/11/2026
Share
{alert(Link copied)}).catch(err => {console.error(Failed to copy: , err)}) data-platform=copy_link data-action= class=font-ui-heading py-2 text-sm tex...
13/11/2026
Share
{alert(Link copied)}).catch(err => {console.error(Failed to copy: , err)}) data-platform=copy_link data-action= class=font-ui-heading py-2 text-sm tex...
13/11/2026
Blue Lucy, the workflow orchestration and integration platform for broadcasters, rights owners and localisation companies, today announced an integration with c...
13/11/2026
Krotos announces Black Friday offers on Studio Pro and Studio Max
Brie Clayton November 12, 2026
0 Comments
First-year annual plans start at US$195.99...
13/11/2026
Blackmagic Design Announces Blackmagic Ambisonic Microphone
Brie Clayton November 12, 2026
0 Comments
New 7th order ambisonic microphone with 108 MEMS...
13/11/2026
Meet the Berklee Student Setting Planetary Motion to Music With his compositional platform SoniKosmos, Javier Roqueni aims to make the universe the ultimate i...
13/11/2026
Share
{alert(Link copied)}).catch(err => {console.error(Failed to copy: , er...
13/11/2026
Share
{alert(Link copied)}).catch(err => {console.error(Failed to copy: , err)}) data-platform=copy_link data-action= class=font-ui-heading py-2 text-sm tex...
13/11/2026
Share
{alert(Link copied)}).catch(err => {console.error(Failed to copy: , err)}) data-platform=copy_link data-action= class=font-ui-heading py-2 text-sm tex...
13/11/2026
Share
{alert(Link copied)}).catch(err => {console.error(Failed to copy: , err)}) data-platform=copy_link data-action= class=font-ui-heading py-2 text-sm tex...
13/11/2026
Share
{alert(Link copied)}).catch(err => {console.error(Failed to copy: , er...
13/11/2026
Share
{alert(Link copied)}).catch(err => {console.error(Failed to copy: , err)}) data-platform=copy_link data-action= class=font-ui-heading py-2 text-sm tex...
13/11/2026
Share
{alert(Link copied)}).catch(err => {console.error(Failed to copy: , err)}) data-platform=copy_link data-action= class=font-ui-heading py-2 text-sm tex...
13/11/2026
Share
{alert(Link copied)}).catch(err => {console.error(Failed to copy: , err)}) data-platform=copy_link data-action= class=font-ui-heading py-2 text-sm tex...
13/11/2026
Share
{alert(Link copied)}).catch(err => {console.error(Failed to copy: , err)}) data-platform=copy_link data-action= class=font-ui-heading py-2 text-sm tex...
13/11/2026
Share
{alert(Link copied)}).catch(err => {console.error(Failed to copy: , err)}) data-platform=copy_link data-action= class=font-ui-heading py-2 text-sm tex...
13/11/2026
Amagi, the media industry cloud company, today announced a partnership with Golden Times Media Technology (stock code 920021.BJ), a Beijing-based media and tech...
13/11/2026
CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB), one of the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world, together with its Malaysian partner, Cedar ...
13/11/2026
SMPTE, the home for media professionals, technologists and engineers, today announced that The Studio B&H and Riedel Communications will provide the video infra...
13/11/2026
iWedia, a global leader in connected TV software solutions, will present its software-first approach to DRAM optimization at Android TV APAC Summit 2026 in Bang...
13/11/2026
Beginning today, November 13, Apple HomeView is available for purchase at Apple Store locations, on the Apple Store online, and in the Apple Store app in select...
13/11/2026
From pediatric research to smart hospitals, AI is helping care teams spend less time on routine tasks and more time with patients.
Health systems and startups...
12/11/2026
Industry leaders examine how Dynamic Media Facility, Media eXchange Layer, and c...
12/11/2026
The junior Tar Heel is embracing the technical and creative challenges of live production while emerging as a leader and mentor in the control room...