A1 Turns Mobile Network Into a Platform for Weather Forecasting

A1 Group announced it is taking another step in the continued development of its network infrastructure. Together with Finnish company Skyfora and Nokia, A1 will deploy a solution for capturing highly precise weather data within its own network.

Mobile network sites are being transformed into intelligent sensors that continuously generate atmospheric data. The aim is to improve weather forecasts, particularly in alpine regions, where fast-changing local weather conditions are a challenge. Several sites in the Seetal Alps region in Carinthia — including Roethelstein, Weißkirchen, St. Georgen ob Judenburg, Turrach and Metnitz — have already been equipped accordingly and are delivering the first high-quality data. One A1 Slovenia site is also part of the project.

As part of the ongoing tests, existing 5G sites are being used to continuously capture atmospheric data. The solution relies on GNSS signals received at the mobile network sites. As these signals travel through the atmosphere, they are affected by factors such as humidity. By analyzing these signal variations, it is possible to derive precise insights into the water vapour content of the atmosphere — a key parameter in the formation of precipitation, thunderstorms and fog.

“We are continuously evolving our network and deliberately unlocking capabilities that go beyond traditional connectivity. Together with Skyfora and Nokia, we are demonstrating how existing infrastructure can be extended in a targeted way to generate additional data for more precise weather forecasting. What matters is that this data is created exactly where it is needed — with high geographical resolution and without requiring any additional infrastructure. This opens new opportunities to better understand and anticipate short-term weather developments,” said Christian Laqué, CTO of A1 Austria.

The collected data complement existing weather models and are particularly valuable for short-term, highly localised weather events. This is especially important in alpine regions, where weather can change rapidly and affect very small areas. Better local observations can make forecasts more useful where every minute counts — helping to detect dangerous flash floods earlier, optimise hydropower operations and reduce weather-related disruption and costs for critical infrastructure. This gives energy providers, traffic management operators and emergency response organisations a stronger basis for planning and decision-making.

“At A1 Slovenia, we are proud to contribute to this innovative trial together with Skyfora, Nokia, and our colleagues in Austria. By integrating GNSS-based sensing into our existing network infrastructure, we are exploring how mobile networks can deliver added value beyond connectivity. The inclusion of a Slovenian site demonstrates our commitment to innovation and cross-market collaboration, while supporting the development of more precise and localized weather forecasting capabilities,” said Vladimir Skender, Senior Network Director, A1 Slovenia and A1 Croatia.