The two have entered into a five-year strategic partnership that will see Ericsson upgrade 4G networks and become the sole partner to deliver radio access network technology (RAN) for 5G in Lithuania.
The network will be up to five times more energy efficient than previous generations and powered by 100% renewable electricity.
Dan Strömberg, CEO of Telia in Lithuania and the head of LED, said: “The partnership between the two of Swedish wireless pioneers – Telia and Ericsson – will allow us to provide our customers with the state-of-the-art mobile connectivity and will drive faster development of sustainable digital society.
“Updated 4G networks and the upcoming 5G technology will deliver both people and businesses with a qualitative leap in several areas – from education, healthcare to transport and leisure,” Strömberg added.
Over the next three years, Telia plans to upgrade around 2,000 sites in the country, phasing out Huawei equipment from 2021.
Telia aims to start offering commercial 5G mobile services in Lithuania “as soon as possible”, pending a coming spectrum auction to be announced by the Communications Regulatory Authority (RRT). Guidelines for the auction were set in May and at the time RRT said it planned to sign a memorandum on 5G with the United States.
Jenny Lindqvist, head of Northern and Central Europe for Ericsson, added: “We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with Telia, to power enhanced 4G and next-generation 5G to their customers in Lithuania. 5G is a catalyst for digital innovation, transforming business and industry and giving the Lithuanian economy the boost it needs during uncertain times. Driving a more resilient, smarter and sustainable society, we are working with Telia to bring 5G to the Baltics and Nordics alike.”
Swedish comms giants Telia and Ericsson have formed a Nordics and Baltics alliance to deploy 5G across the region, which has seen contracts awarded in Sweden, Estonia and Norway.
