Christopher Samuel :
Powered by a potent mix of ambition and foresight, Bangladesh is rapidly blazing a trail in the global digital arena. As the nation aspires to become a digital frontrunner with its Smart Bangladesh 2041 vision, companies such as Nokia, is poised at the forefront, driving the transformation with a laser focus on empowering Bangladesh’s smart future.
Digital priorities are top of the agenda worldwide as countries accelerate their digital transformation journeys in the face of diminishing fossil fuels.
Forward-thinking countries understand that a thriving digital economy rests on smart modern grids, with smart transportation systems and smart grid/utility systems being of paramount importance. These are critical for efficient mobility and sustainable energy distribution, making Bangladesh’s digital vision a reality.
When we look a little deeper, we see that beyond staying abreast of the latest technologies, Bangladesh is committed to building the backbone of a future-ready nation – comprising smart transportation systems and smart grid/utility systems. These are mission-critical solutions for efficient mobility and sustainable energy distribution, the cornerstones of a 21st-century nation, which require enhanced connectivity.
Already known for its expertise in harnessing digital technologies to help the world act together, Nokia is well positioned to play a pivotal role in advancing smart transport systems and smart grid/utility systems in Bangladesh.
With Bangladesh’s attention on laying the groundwork for 5G rollout, Nokia is well-positioned to be the architect of these smart systems. From weaving a seamless transportation network to optimising energy distribution, Nokia’s solutions are the engine driving Bangladesh’s digital odyssey.
Catalysing smart transportation in Bangladesh
Today, the air in Bangladesh hums with the promise of 5G, a technological catalyst which is blanketing the nation. The impending rollout of 5G networks countrywide marks a significant milestone in the advancement of smart transportation systems.
With our existing vast and diverse transportation network consisting of roads, airways, railways, and waterways, the country faces unique mobility challenges that can be addressed through smart transport systems. These systems enhance efficiency, sustainability, and connectivity in the evolving landscape of urban mobility, ultimately contributing to the development of smart cities.
This digital revolution is not merely about faster downloads; it’s about unlocking a Pandora’s box of possibilities for smart transportation. Imagine a Dhaka where traffic lights dance in perfect harmony with the rhythm of the city, optimising flow and minimising congestion. Public transport, a seamless ballet of buses and trains, glides through meticulously planned routes, powered by real-time data. This is the future Nokia helps Bangladesh manifest.
Nokia has the potential to shape smart transport systems in Bangladesh. With our expertise in deploying mission-critical solutions, we have played a crucial role in various transportation projects worldwide.
One example is the partnership between Nokia and The Public Transport Authority of Western Australia (PTA), where we helped design, build, and maintain a next-generation railway communications system in Perth. By leveraging Nokia’s technological capabilities, Bangladesh can revolutionise its transportation infrastructure and create a more connected and efficient system.
Drawing upon its expertise in deploying mission-critical solutions, Nokia has been a driving force behind projects like The Public Transport Authority of Western Australia’s next-generation railway communications system. This is a testament to our ability to weave the magic of 5G into the fabric of Bangladesh’s diverse transportation network, encompassing roads, air, rail, and waterways.
A new age of smart grids and utility systems
A new age is rapidly dawning in Bangladesh with its prioritisation of smart grids and utility systems. We should also note another critical artery in Bangladesh’s digital transformation: the power grid.
According to a recent study, while 93.5% of Bangladeshis bask in the glow of electricity, 79% grapple with the shadows of low voltage, their appliances gasping for a steady flow of power. This is where Nokia’s expertise in smart grids shines brightest.
Access to reliable and efficient energy distribution is crucial for Bangladesh’s continued growth and development. While a majority of the population had access to electricity in 2019, there still remains a challenge in ensuring consistent and stable voltage supply. Load shedding is a common issue faced by many Bangladeshis, highlighting the need for an advanced smart grid and utility system.
Imagine a nationwide grid transformed, infused with intelligence and adaptability. Nokia’s innovative solutions, successfully implemented in cities like Oklahoma in the United States, can be a master move for Bangladesh’s energy landscape.
These smart grids, with their ability to predict and respond to demand fluctuations, can ensure reliable and efficient energy distribution, banishing the spectre of load shedding.
The Oklahoma story is a particularly impressive triumph. Oklahoma’s largest regulated electric utility, OG&E serves a vast territory spanning 30,000 square miles and powering 789,000 customers. With 23,000 miles of overhead distribution lines and 500 substations, OG&E faces the ongoing challenge of delivering reliable and efficient energy.
Facing a growing demand on its vast grid, rising costs and environmental concerns called for urgent action. Turning to Nokia, the solution was a pioneering smart grid powered by advanced tech.
This multi-layered network, with WiMAX and microwave muscle, delivered real-time data, enabling precise grid control. The payoff? Dramatic efficiency gains. Peak demand shrunk, customer demand is set to drop 2% annually for three years, and demand response savings could reach 280 MW by 2017. Advanced metering boosted operational savings, and fossil fuel investments were deferred until 2020.
OG&E’s smart grid is a beacon of innovative possibilities, ensuring reliable energy while paving the way for a cleaner future.
However, the story to sustainability doesn’t end there. Nokia recognises the flexible potential of microgrids, with solar panels bringing light to rural homes. This brings digital inclusivity to communities not yet within reach of smart grids tendrils.
Nokia’s capabilities in transforming traditional grids into intelligent, adaptive, and sustainable systems are well-documented. We have successfully implemented mission-critical solutions in various situations, enabling efficient and reliable energy distribution. By incorporating Nokia’s expertise in smart grid and utility systems, Bangladesh can overcome its energy distribution challenges and drive positive change.
According to a study, microgrids, such as solar panels, also play a vital role in providing electricity to rural homes. Microgrids offer an alternative solution to smart grids in rural areas, allowing for electricity generation even in remote locations. By embracing these solutions, Bangladesh can enhance grid resilience, optimise energy consumption, and seamlessly integrate renewable energy sources.
A connected, sustainable Bangladesh
Nokia’s role in Bangladesh’s digital odyssey is more than just providing technology; it’s about co-creating a sustainable future.
With every smart traffic light, every intelligent grid, Bangladesh inches closer to its Smart Bangladesh 2041 vision. By embracing these advancements, the nation can enhance grid resilience, optimise energy consumption, and seamlessly integrate renewable energy sources, painting a picture of a sustainable future.
The road ahead is paved with both challenges and opportunities. But with Nokia as a trusted partner, Bangladesh can confidently stride towards a future where connectivity fuels progress, smart transportation transforms mobility, and smart grids illuminate not just homes but the nation’s aspirations. Industry stakeholders must join hands, embracing these advancements and propelling Bangladesh towards a more connected, sustainable, and technologically advanced tomorrow.
Nokia’s crucial role in elevating connectivity in Bangladesh is becoming more apparent. Through its contributions to smart transport systems and smart grid/utility systems, Nokia is fully aligned with the objectives of the Smart Bangladesh 2041 vision. By embracing advanced smart grid and utility systems, Bangladesh will ensure reliable and efficient energy distribution, promoting sustainability in its evolving energy landscape.
Looking ahead, Nokia stands at the forefront of driving innovation and providing mission-critical solutions for smart transportation, smart grid, and utility systems in Bangladesh.
As the country embraces these advancements, we can expect a more connected, sustainable, and technologically advanced Bangladesh. We will see industry stakeholders eagerly embracing the opportunities presented by Nokia’s expertise, and work together to manifest Bangladesh’s digital vision and create a brighter future for all.
Nokia is more than just a vendor; it serves a co-pilot on Bangladesh’s digital journey, a trusted navigator guiding the nation towards a future where technology empowers progress and innovation drives us forward. Smart Bangladesh will indeed be a story of a nation confidently striding into the digital arena.
Writer: Head of Bangladesh, Network Infrastructure Sales, Nokia.
