Athonet and Vilicom Develop First Private LTE Network for Offshore Windfarm

Athonet, a leader in private cellular network technology, announced today that U.K.-based wireless telecommunications provider, Vilicom, is using the Athonet professional-grade mobile core as a critical component in delivering the U.K.’s first off-shore 5G-ready private LTE network for windfarm communications and connectivity.

The Athonet professional-grade mobile core is the critical software component forming the single point of interconnection, command and control between enterprise IT/OT systems and the radios and devices in the private cellular network. The mobile core component is the “brain” of the mobile network. The Athonet mobile core is designed for enterprises, but has proven field-deployment at massive scale for full mobility and full integration capability with public operator networks. Athonet supports 5G-SA, 5G-NSA, LTE and IMS for VoLTE & VoNR in a single component solution. It is uniquely designed to work with any make of radio to allow partners like Vilicom to provide a best-of-breed solution that is tailored to the specific requirements of the end customer.

The Vilicom network provides advanced communications and connectivity to sea vessels and workers operating inside the boundaries of the windfarm off the coast of Scotland. The connectivity also allows workers to be in touch on a regular basis through video calls and emails whilst they are at sea.

The Moray East offshore windfarm project is aimed at generating electricity using renewable energy; it will be able to fulfill approximately 40% of the total electricity demand in Scotland and can power up to 950,000 homes in the UK.

“Building efficiencies into the construction and operations of a windfarm is a challenge without superfast and reliable connectivity. Vilicom will provide network connectivity to all project operating sea vessels and provides functionality that enables communication not only between workers at sea but also communication back home and for use in leisure time,” states Sean Keating, CEO of Vilicom.

“Athonet is honoured to partner with Vilicom for this vital and innovative private network system by providing a key software component. As enterprises adopt a wireless-first approach to the digitalisation plans, private 5G and LTE networks are the essential infrastructure to ensure reliable and predictable communications with no downtime. We look forward to working closely with Vilicom to develop many more use cases and applications to serve off-shore and on-shore industrial and commercial projects.” said Nanda Menon, director of Corporate Development for Athonet in the U.K.