The last five years have been pivotal for 5G development, starting with its first commercial rollout in South Korea in April 2019. 5G promises ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and massive device connectivity, driving advancements in autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and industrial automation. Despite its transformative potential, challenges like high costs, security concerns, and slow infrastructure rollout remain.

As part of a broader exploration of the 5G rollout and its evolution, let’s take a moment to reflect on the significant milestones of the past five years. This period has been pivotal, marking the launch of the world’s first commercial 5G network in South Korea in April 2019 and setting the stage for the widespread deployment of nationwide 5G networks. This quick retrospective highlights the transformative progress made in half a decade, shaping the future of connectivity.

Why the hype?  

5G is a revolutionary technology offering ultra-fast speeds, low latency, and massive connectivity, enabling advancements like autonomous vehicles, smart cities, and immersive AR/VR experiences. It’s designed to support billions of devices, enhance industrial automation, and drive economic growth through new innovations and job creation. While its potential is vast, challenges like high costs, security concerns, and infrastructure rollout need to be addressed for full global adoption.

A look in the rear mirror!

Over the past five to six years, Sweden has made significant strides in 5G development, marked by key milestones and collaborative efforts. 

1. 5G Network Expansion and Coverage:

• Initial Launches: In May 2020, Tele2 became the first Swedish operator to commercially launch a 5G network in Stockholm. This was followed by other operators, including Telia and Telenor, expanding their 5G services across the country.

• Coverage Milestones: By April 2024, 5G networks covered 90% of Swedish households, a substantial increase from 57% in 2022. In rural areas, coverage rose from 29% in 2022 to 67% in 2024. Despite this progress, the Swedish government’s target for comprehensive coverage in all areas where people normally spend time has not yet been fully achieved. [EU 5G Observatory]. 

2. Collaborative Efforts and Joint Ventures:

• Net4Mobility: A joint venture between Tele2 and Telenor, Net4Mobility has been instrumental in expanding 5G coverage. In 2021, they partnered with Nokia to roll out commercial 5G services across significant areas of Sweden in a five-year deal. [Nokia Press Release 2021]

• SUNAB: Telia and Tele2 collaborated through SUNAB to build and operate a shared 3G network, laying the groundwork for future 5G collaborations.[Press release Tele2 Group 2018]

3. Technological Innovations and Partnerships:

• Ericsson’s Contributions: Swedish telecom giant Ericsson has been pivotal in 5G advancements, including a partnership with Telia to launch Sweden’s first 5G network at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm in December 2018.

• 5G Innovation Hub North: Established by Telia in partnership with Luleå University of Technology, this hub allows companies to test applications, software, and hardware on the 5G network, fostering innovation across various sectors. [Sifted 2021 – “Sweden’s big 5G opportunity”]

4. Regulatory Developments:

• Spectrum Auctions: In January 2021, the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) concluded auctions in the 3.5 GHz and 2.3 GHz bands, allocating essential frequencies for 5G deployment.

• Security Measures: In October 2020, PTS decided to exclude Huawei and ZTE from Sweden’s 5G networks, citing security concerns. This decision was upheld by a Swedish court in June 2021. [Wikipedia – “Concerns over Chinese involvement in 5G wireless networks”]

5. International Collaborations:

• Cross-Border Initiatives: The Nordic countries, including Sweden, signed a letter of intent in April 2018 to become the “first and most integrated 5G region in the world,” aiming to create a common Nordic 5G space. [Ookla 2022 – “5G in Nordics: Sweden Leads on Speeds, Denmark on 5G Availability”]

These developments reflect Sweden’s commitment to advancing its digital infrastructure, positioning the country as a leader in 5G technology and innovation.

While the journey towards widespread 5G stand alone (SA) deployment is complex and slower than initially expected, the potential benefits in terms of network performance and innovative applications make it a critical focus for the telecommunications industry. [Ookla Nov 2024 – “The Path to “Full” 5G: Challenges and Opportunities in Standalone 5G Deployment”]