CALGARY — In what it calls a first for Western Canada, Shaw Business today announced it has deployed an industrial-grade private LTE network custom-built for mining systems, which will used to provide greater coverage and connectivity at Teck Resources’ Elkview Operations in British Columbia.
(Private LTE networks have been deployed at mining sites in other parts of the country, including Agnico Eagle’s LaRonde mine in Abitibi, Quebec.)
Developed in partnership with Nokia, the 5G-ready private LTE network built exclusively for Teck was created to support the mining company’s RACE21 initiative designed to transform how the company mines by harnessing technology and innovation, says the Shaw Communications press release announcing the network’s deployment.
“Teck’s RACE21 program aims to generate new value, reduce operating costs and significantly improve safety, sustainability and productivity at our operations, and improving network infrastructure will support achieving those goals,” said Andrew Milner, senior vice-president and chief transformation officer at Teck, in the press release.
Shaw Business leveraged its licensed spectrum and experienced technical staff to build the 5G-ready private LTE network, which is based upon Nokia’s industrial-grade private wireless solution.
“Because this network solution is fully private, Teck can operate mission critical applications without the conflict of any outside IT and operations constraints that are prevalent in similar non-dedicated wireless networks,” reads the press release.
“The global economy is on the verge of the next industrial revolution — a change that will be driven entirely by 5G and other advanced connected technologies,” said Katherine Emberly, president of business at Shaw Communications, in the release. “Through this project, we were able to combine our spectrum assets with our deep industry knowledge and sector expertise to help Teck boost productivity, efficiency, and improve safety while transforming their network infrastructure to deliver significant operational value.”
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