Using Ericsson’s Radio Access Network (RAN) products, the network was inaugurated over the weekend and currently includes 15 base stations, with 60 new stations to be added next month as coverage increases.
Attending the launch in Stockholm on 25 May, Fredrik Jejdling EVP and head of networks at Ericsson joined Allison Kirkby, CEO, Telia Company and Anders Ygeman, Sweden’s minister of energy and digital development (pictured).
Initially delivered on Telia’s existing 700Mhz spectrum and boosted by LTE and New Radio carrier aggregation, Telia said its 700Mhz band will cover “most of central Stockholm by mid-June”.
The telco aims to enhance and supplement its low-band 5G commercial services with additional nationwide 5G coverage, including mid- and high-bands, following the auction of the related spectrum by the Swedish government later this year.
Telia has already named 12 cities where services could launch before 2021, including Gothenburg and Malmö.
Allison Kirkby, CEO, Telia Company, said: “Our networks have never been more important to lives and livelihoods than now. Telia’s 5G launch lays the foundations for the next phase of digital transformation, with innovation, sustainability and security as three critical pillars, and we are proud to be doing this launch in partnership with Ericsson.
“As we roll-out 5G across Sweden, we will open up new user experiences and accelerated innovation in areas such as entertainment, healthcare, manufacturing and transport, that will collectively strengthen and protect everyone living and working in Sweden, and Swedish competitiveness in the world,” she added.
Ericsson now has 39 live 5G networks in 22 countries, including Norway which launched services earlier this month. Ericsson’s live networks are part of the 91 commercial 5G agreements or contracts the company has with unique operators globally, of which 48 are publicly announced 5G deals.
Börje Ekholm, President and CEO, Ericsson, said: “This is a real milestone for us as a Swedish company as we partner with Telia Company to make commercial 5G a reality for its users in Stockholm. Whether through enhanced mobile broadband or innovative new business, societal and industrial applications, 5G is set to change life and society for the better right across Sweden. We look forward to working with our strategic partner Telia Company to drive this change and ensure Sweden benefits from the competitive benefits of digitalisation.”
