Cradlepoint, part of Ericsson, has announced that it is enabling in-vehicle 5G and satellite connectivity for SA Power Networks.

The solution, which provides time-saving live status updates to improve customer service, includes Cradlepoint NetCloud, running on Cradlepoint R1900 and R920 ruggedised routers. Using Starlink LEO satellite as the primary connection due to the remote locations where maintenance work takes place, SA Power Networks service vehicles can failover to cellular connectivity where satellite connections are poor.

SA Power Networks is South Australia’s sole electricity distributor supplying power to around 1.7 million customers. The regulated essential service provider operates a 24-hour faults and emergencies hotline for its network which covers approximately 178,000m².

“Our field crews are working in regional and remote parts of the state, some of which have next to no cellular coverage,” SA Power Networks head of powerline and electrical services Paul Salter says.

“Without reliable service, crews could arrive at site to carry out works, but then need to travel to the nearest location with a cellular tower to communicate or access critical information related to the job.”

SA Power networks is utilising both active cellular and Starlink connectivity when the trucks are in cellular coverage, with the Cradlepoint prioritising the best-performing link.