Operator says it now covers almost 99% of the population and paves the way to new use cases and the goal of being the world’s most digitalised country by 2030
Four years after switching on Norway’s first 5G base stations in the town of Lillestrøm, Telia’s 5G network now covers close to 99% of the population.
Telia says it is the only operator delivering nationwide 5G coverage in Norway and that this opens up new use cases in a country aiming to become the world’s most digitalised by 2030. Ericsson is Telia’s technology partner for the Norwegian 5G roll-out. In parallel, Telia is upgrading its 4G network across the country, to increase speed and coverage while doubling capacity.
Today, 1.6 million 5G mobile devices are already connected to Telia’s network in Norway. Many customers access the internet solely through 5G wireless broadband, according to the operator. In the Arctic city of Tromsø (pictured), for example, the combination of 5G and 4G has boosted average download speeds by 375%, and mobile data usage is up by 900% since 2019.
Stein-Erik Vellan, Head of Telia Norway, comments. “A national 5G network is only the start of the future. We have many exciting projects underway, and we look forward to sharing more details soon.”
Here are some of its highlights so far:
- Telia has delivered a private 5G network to Norway’s armed forces in which mobile traffic is separated from the rest of the national network, providing flexible and secure communication.
- Through a similar private setup, logistics giant Posten Bring has improved efficiency at its Drøbak site by connecting warehouse equipment – with large shelves no obstacle for 5G signals.
- This summer, Telia partnered with rescue services in Norway to test a battery-powered, satellite-connected 5G/4G base station that can be flown by drone, allowing quick restoration of mobile coverage after natural disasters or extreme weather.