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AI Use Cases for Utilities
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Aviation

Airports are no longer just transit points - they’re evolving into intelligent, connected environments powered by AI, private 5G, and digital twins. These technologies enable predictive maintenance, real-time baggage tracking, and biometric check-ins, while optimizing operational efficiency and sustainability. Private 5G ensures low-latency, high-reliability communication across airport systems, from autonomous luggage handling to AR-powered passenger navigation. Digital twins create real-time simulations of airport environments, helping operators plan, respond, and allocate resources more effectively. This digital transformation is redefining how passengers experience travel — with less stress, fewer delays, and more personalization, while equipping operators with tools to boost resilience, performance, and environmental responsibility.
A multi-hour outage in the Dallas–Fort Worth airspace tied to legacy telecom services triggered cascading delays and cancellations, spotlighting urgent modernization needs for U.S. air traffic networks. On Friday afternoon, a telecommunications failure forced a ground stop across Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) and Dallas Love Field, with ripple effects at several regional airports. The FAA attributed the incident to multiple failures in TDM-based data services delivered by a local telecom provider, compounded by redundancy gaps overseen by a prime contractor. Initial field reports tied the outage to fiber damage that simultaneously knocked out primary and backup data paths.
India’s Digital Communications Commission has sent most of TRAI’s satellite spectrum recommendations back for review, signaling a tougher stance on pricing, compliance, and market safeguards. TRAI recommended that satellite internet providers pay 4% of adjusted gross revenue (AGR) as spectrum usage charges, an additional Rs 500 per urban subscriber per year, and a minimum annual spectrum fee of Rs 3,500 per MHz when the AGR-linked payout falls short. At its September 16 meeting, the DCC—comprising senior DoT officials and representatives from finance, IT, and NITI Aayog—reviewed the satcom framework and withheld approval on most elements.
EchoStar has reset its strategy after regulator-driven spectrum sales, trading long-cycle infrastructure bets for an asset-light, capital-rich posture focused on satcom growth. Federal Communications Commission scrutiny over spectrum utilization forced EchoStar to accelerate decisions it had hoped to phase over time. Complaints from rivals spurred investigations into whether the company was meeting buildout and use obligations. Even if EchoStar prevailed in court, the process risked tying up key licenses and stalling its direct-to-device (D2D) ambitions. The company opted to monetize holdings and remove uncertainty rather than fight a prolonged, value-destructive battle.
Fresh data from Nokia and GlobalData shows that private wireless and on-premise edge are delivering rapid ROI, unlocking AI at scale, and improving security and sustainability across industrial sites. Industrial operations need deterministic connectivity, real-time data, and strong security to automate safely and sustainably. Across 115 organizations, 87% of adopters reported a return on investment within one year after deploying private wireless with on-prem edge. Setup costs were lower than alternatives for 81% of respondents, and 86% cut ongoing costs. Critically, 94% deployed on-prem edge alongside private wireless, and 70% are already powering AI use cases.
Tulsa International Airport (TUL) has deployed a dedicated private cellular network with Communication Technology Services (CTS), replacing legacy Wi-Fi and fiber systems. The network provides secure, low-latency connectivity for airfield operations, surveillance, and perimeter gates while creating a foundation for AI-driven automation, autonomous vehicles, and next-generation airport infrastructure.
Hrvatski Telekom’s NextGen 5G Airports project will deploy Private 5G Networks at Zagreb, Zadar, and Pula Airports to boost safety, efficiency, and airport automation. By combining 5G Standalone, Edge Computing, AI, and IoT, the initiative enables drones, smart cameras, and AI tablets to digitize inspections, secure perimeters, and streamline operations, redefining aviation connectivity in Croatia.
Spark and Air New Zealand have activated New Zealand’s first Private 5G Network for business operations at Auckland Airport’s logistics warehouse. Using Ericsson’s enterprise-grade 5G, the network powers a drone-robot system that automates stocktakes, keeps staff safer by removing the need for high-shelf manual scanning, and provides real-time inventory data to boost efficiency. This smart warehousing solution sets a new benchmark for airport logistics and supply chain innovation in New Zealand.
Smart mobility is reshaping how the world moves, powered by 5G, AI, and edge computing. From autonomous vehicles and real-time logistics to AI-driven drones and connected public transport, intelligent transportation systems are redefining urban mobility, logistics, and industrial automation. As global investment and collaboration grow, the transportation industry is transforming into a $11.1 trillion smart ecosystem focused on sustainability, efficiency, and connectivity.
YYC Calgary International Airport, in partnership with TELUS, has launched Canada’s first 5G private wireless network, transforming airport operations with real-time IoT tracking, AI-driven automation, and ultra-secure connectivity. This 10-year initiative enhances passenger experience, baggage handling, and airport security, setting a new benchmark for smart airports.
Purdue Research Foundation (PRF) and Purdue University, in partnership with Ericsson, are redefining aviation through its "airport of the future" initiative. Leveraging its own airport and a legacy of innovation, Purdue collaborates with Saab and other industry leaders to drive advancements in passenger experience, operations, and safety. A 5G network underpins this applied research platform, enabling scalable, market-ready technologies while addressing regulatory challenges and fostering industry-wide collaboration.

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