Sweden has made significant strides in expanding its 5G network coverage, as highlighted by the latest broadband mapping figures released by the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS).
This update reveals a notable increase in 5G coverage across the country, particularly in rural areas. However, despite this progress, Sweden still faces challenges in meeting its coverage targets set by the government.
According to PTS, Sweden’s 5G network coverage has surged by 33% from 2022, reaching a total of 67% in rural areas compared to just 29% the previous year. This increase marks a substantial advancement in providing high-speed connectivity beyond urban centers. The overall coverage has grown from 57% in 2022 to a more robust figure in 2023. This growth reflects a significant investment in expanding network infrastructure and improving connectivity for more remote populations.
In urban and semi-urban areas where people typically spend their time—such as on roads and at holiday homes—5G coverage stands at 95%. Although this figure falls short of the government’s 2023 target for comprehensive and stable coverage, PTS noted that this segment of coverage is growing at the fastest rate. This suggests that Sweden is on a promising trajectory towards achieving its goal of near-universal 5G coverage.
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Nordic Region’s 5G Performance
The broader Nordic region, including Sweden, has been recognized for its strong performance in mobile download speeds. According to the Speedtest Global Index™, Norway led globally with a median download speed of 129.96 Mbps in June 2022, with Denmark and Sweden following closely in the eighth and seventeenth places, respectively. Finland also performed well, ranking twenty-second.
In April 2018, the Nordic prime ministers signed a letter of intent to make the region the “first and most integrated 5G region in the world.” This commitment underscores the region’s ambition to lead in 5G technology and digital transformation. The shared vision includes fostering a common Nordic 5G space to enhance collaboration and innovation across borders.
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Sweden’s 5G Availability and Network Development
Despite Sweden’s strong 5G speeds, the country’s 5G availability—defined as the percentage of users with access to 5G networks—was relatively low at 6.2% in Q2 2022. This metric reflects the extent to which users with 5G-capable devices can access 5G networks consistently. Comparatively, Denmark’s 5G availability was 36.4%, Norway’s 23.3%, and Finland’s 21.0%. The disparity highlights the need for further network expansion and device adoption to improve accessibility.
Swedish operators are addressing these challenges with several key initiatives including a joint venture between Tele2 and Telenor. Net4Mobility aims to extend 5G coverage, with full coverage expected this 2024. This expansion is critical for meeting the national coverage goals and supporting the growing demand for 5G services.
Partnering with Ericsson, Telia plans to match its 5G coverage with its existing 4G network by 2025. The two companies have also launched the NorthStar program, offering the country’s top industrial companies access to a 5G innovation network. This initiative will focus on advancing 5G technologies like network slicing and positioning, with an initial emphasis on the automotive sector and smart transport solutions.
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Sweden’s progress in 5G coverage is commendable, especially considering the substantial increase in rural areas. However, achieving the government’s coverage targets remains a work in progress. The ongoing efforts by Swedish operators to expand coverage, improve availability, and enhance network performance are crucial for realizing the full potential of 5G technology.
As Sweden continues to advance its 5G infrastructure, it will contribute to the broader Nordic goal of becoming the most integrated 5G region globally. With substantial investments and strategic initiatives, Sweden is well-positioned to enhance its digital landscape and support the region’s ambitious digital transformation goals.
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