This is about a broadband solution that builds on a combination of satellite-based and land-based networks, called Xtend 5G. Unlike Elon Musk's Starlink, Forsway has no satellites of its own, but there are similarities:
We're a small company, so we're trying to do something that works roughly the same way. That is, you have satellite communication where you need it, says Tobias Forsell, CEO of the Skövde-based company.
Instead, Forsway uses existing and upcoming satellite capacity. The user needs an antenna and a kind of router.
The system can also function as a backup connection if the regular internet connection is knocked out by natural disasters. Potential customers are, for example, healthcare centers, schools, and other socially critical actors, rather than private individuals.
Initially, Forsway receives 27 million kronor from ESA and Forsell estimates that they can be up and running in 2.5 years, maybe faster if they get more financing.
For us, this is a huge thing, he says.
