Hawk Networks is collaborating with RuralUrban Labs to create a 5G smart farm and ‘HardTech’ hub. RuralUrban Labs is a research and development company focused on ‘HardTech’ with its headquarters in the historic Camden Opera House.
In order to enable the testing and development of the upcoming generation of automated farm equipment and machinery that will be installed throughout the farms surrounding Camden, Hawk Networks will employ its Althea platform and KeyLTE.
KeyLTE was created by Hawk Networks as a novel strategy for constructing exclusive LTE and 5G networks. A home router-integrated edge EPC (evolved packet core) is used by KeyLTE. This gives Indiana farmers the ability to develop connectivity solutions for a small portion of the price of traditional cellular networks. A KeyLTE network can be deployed similarly to a Wi-Fi network.
This partnership includes a joint investment by Hawk and RuralUrban to bring high speed broadband internet to the residents of Camden. Hawk Networks will function as a virtual network operator and support the deployment of a high speed broadband network utilising fibre optic, fixed wireless, and CBRS LTE (citizens broadband radio service, long-term evolution) technologies.
Hawk Networks has been an industry provider in the deployment of virtual network services which are powered by the “Althea” software platform. Althea offers a system for routing network traffic and billing, which enables building and operating networks in communities that currently lack fast, affordable internet and mobile options.
“Althea’s technology allows us to deliver robust connectivity in a community driven and sustainable way. Instead of treating mobile and private 5G networks as separate from broadband, communities like Camden can build holistic networks with Althea,” says Deborah Simpier, founder and CEO of Hawk Networks. “We are excited to work together with RuralUrban Labs to provide broadband access and support the AgTech innovation at Camden’s 500 Acre 5G Farm.”
“On these 500 acres of land, we are developing, testing and commercialising cutting edge revolutionary Agtech, covered by numerous patents that will work to improve a farmers livelihoods. Partnering with Hawk Networks and using KeyLTE provides the connectivity needed to further test and refine these technologies will allow us to focus on the tech commercialisation in a much more robust way,” says Neil Mylet, founder of RuralUrban Labs.
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