Published:  22.6.2017

In collaboration with the Palojärvi reindeer herding cooperative, Digita is piloting reindeer tracking using an IoT network. Digita’s nationwide IoT network enables lighter and more durable GPS reindeer tracking solutions, allowing the entire lifecycle of reindeer to be monitored in the future.

Tracking is important to reindeer husbandry, since most reindeer that
die in the forest are never found. The solutions enabled by Digita’s IoT
network allow herders to track more reindeer than before and to find lost
individuals.

”For us, real-time, reliable information on the movements and disappearance
of reindeer is extremely important. We are thrilled that new, lighter
technology can finally be used for reindeer tracking. This means that we will
be better able to monitor the entire herd, with no dead zones. I think that
effective tracking technology will be in high demand throughout the Nordic
reindeer economy,” says Seppo
Koivisto of the Palojärvi cooperative.

”Compared to previous reindeer tracking devices, Digita’s IoT
network-based solutions enable lighter and longer-lasting tracking devices,
which are also comfortable for the reindeer to carry. In addition to reindeer
owners, everyone moving around reindeer territory can benefit from this. For
example, in the future it may be possible to track the movements of reindeer in
the neighbourhood of roads and warn motorists about them,” says Ari Kuukka, Director, IoT Services at
Digita.

”The range of IoT applications offered by IoT’s network is
virtually unlimited. This reindeer tracking pilot is one example of the new
possibilities introduced by IoT technology,” says Kuukka.

Digita’s IoT network, which is based on its high masts and two-way LoRa
technology, enables devices connected to the network to function
cost-effectively and simply. In addition, the battery life of portable devices
connected to the IoT network is significantly better than in the case of older
technologies.

Media contact:

Digita Oy, Ari Kuukka, Director, IoT Services, ari.kuukka@digita.fi, tel. +358
40 149 7942

Palojärven paliskunta, Seppo Koivisto, seppo.koivisto@pp9.inet.fi, tel.
+358 400 137 566

Digita transmits radio and television
programmes to everyone living in every corner of Finland every day of the year.
We also apply the latest digital technology in order to develop and offer
versatile online television and radio services. In addition, our service
portfolio includes comprehensive IoT services based on our nation-wide network,
as well as world-class Data Centre Services. Our clients are media houses and
mobile and broadband operators that provide the very best contents.

Palojärvi reindeer herding co-operative lies
within the municipalities of Rovaniemi, Tervola, Ylitornio and Pello, covering
an area of about 4,000 km² with a living reindeer number of 5,000.