The operator says increased uplink, as well as downlink, speeds are important as Finns upload more and more data – services for remote workers and companies to follow in the spring
Elisa’s customers are the first consumers in the world to use 5.5G (aka 5G Advanced) for their home internet connections after the operator launched its 5.5G network in the Helsinki area at the end of February. The new technology will next be deployed shortly for phone subscriptions and corporate use.
The operator notes that Finns are uploading more and more data to the network, and the new network will increase data upload speeds several times over and improve download speeds. In the past, download speed has been the starting point for network development, but use of social media, cloud services and AI tools have massively increased uploaded traffic volumes.
“One significant driver for 5.5G is the increase in use of AI, which has increased the amount of upstream data transfer in the network. It’s important that in Finland, we can be the first to learn about the features of new technologies and bring their benefits to our customers”, explains Kalle Lehtinen, CTO at Elisa.
DOWNLOAD OUR NEW REPORT ON 5G ADVANCED SERVICES FROM HERE, FREE
World’s first 5.5G consumers
Laura Soikkeli, Head of Elisa’s Home Connections business, states, “For ordinary internet users, this is the most significant development step since 5G first arrived.
“Customers really notice the difference when they work from home: 5.5G connections mean improvements in video meeting performance and large file transfers. Smart home devices are also more reliable, and we may see developments such as services that support older people in remaining in their own homes.”
Progressive roll-out
Availability of the 5.5G network and subscriptions will be extended in phases. Initially, the network is available in the area around Finland’s capital, plus Tampere and Jyväskylä. In parallel, the range of services supported by 5.5G will expand.
In spring, Elisa will launch 5.5G phone subscriptions and services for corporate offices and remote working: 5.5G requires a 5.5G subscription and a compatible phone or router. The choice of 5.5G-compatible devices is also set to grow in the coming years.
Long Finnish 5G pedigree
Elisa opened the world’s first commercial 5G network and sold the Nordics’ first 5G customer phone in 2019. The 5G network enabled download speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s.
At the start of 2024, Elisa was the first to offer Finnish customers 5G standalone phone subscriptions (5G+) and home internet (Omakaists).
Elisa launched the first part of its 5.5G network at the end of Feburary, bringing this new technology to Finnish home and corporate internet connections as well as phone subscriptions. Upload speeds are several times faster over 5.5G than with previous technologies
