The Nordics Strengthen Europe’s 5G Future 

5G

The Nordic countries have solidified their reputation as leaders in 5G deployment, showcasing advanced strategies and favorable conditions that place them ahead of much of Europe. Anchored by global telecom giants Ericsson and Nokia, the region rivals global frontrunners such as the United States, Qatar, and South Korea. 

By the close of 2024, Nordic operators achieved remarkable 5G coverage milestones. Telia in Norway reported nearly 99% population coverage, DNA in Finland extended its network to all mainland municipalities, and Sweden’s Tele2 and Telenor, operating through their Net4Mobility venture, surpassed 90% population coverage. Speedtest Intelligence data from Q4 2024 confirmed Denmark’s leadership in 5G connectivity, having achieved 83.4% 5G availability—the highest in Europe. 

Latest: Finland’s Telecom Industry Poised for 1.19% CAGR Growth

Policies and Spectrum Driving 5G Success 

The Nordic region’s early adoption of low-band spectrum, particularly the 700 MHz band, has enabled widespread coverage. Unlike many European nations relying heavily on dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS), which compromises coverage performance, Nordic operators focused on deploying dedicated low-band spectrum. This approach has delivered superior indoor and rural 5G access without sacrificing quality. 

Governments across the Nordics have also implemented forward-thinking policies to support 5G expansion. Denmark’s spectrum auctions tied rural coverage obligations to licensing, ensuring underserved areas gained high-speed access. Finland mandated 99% population coverage within four years of its 700 MHz allocation, while Sweden incentivized investment in remote regions through phased targets and financial backing. These strategies, described as “carrot-and-stick” measures, have successfully bridged the digital divide. 

Also Read: Swedish 5G Coverage Update: Progress and Challenges

Collaboration and Modernization Powering Digital Growth

Collaboration between operators has significantly propelled the Nordics’ 5G achievements. Extensive network-sharing agreements, such as Net4Mobility in Sweden, the Finnish Shared Network (SYV)—a joint venture between DNA and Telia in northern and eastern Finland—and the TT Network (TT-Netværket) joint venture between Telia and Telenor in Denmark have streamlined infrastructure deployment. These partnerships ensure broad and consistent coverage, reducing disparities among operators and delivering equitable 5G availability across the region.

The Nordic nations are also leading the way in retiring legacy networks. Finland and Norway have completed their 3G sunsets, marking significant progress in modernizing telecommunications. Meanwhile, Sweden has postponed its 2G shutdown to accommodate industries like agriculture that still rely on legacy technologies. Despite this delay, the region remains focused on transitioning users to advanced 5G networks and continuing to modernize infrastructure.

With favorable geography, high average revenues per user (ARPU), and robust government-industry partnerships, the Nordic countries have become a beacon for 5G innovation. Their comprehensive approach serves as both a model and a challenge for Europe in accelerating its digital transformation and closing the gap between global leaders.

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