The Envy of Europe: Nordics Lead in 5G Availability and Network Sunsets

The nordic region, home to telecom giants Ericsson and Nokia, has solidified its status as Europe’s leader in 5G deployment. With a combination of higher operator profitability,innovative government policies,and a strong focus on network sharing,these countries are racing ahead of much of the continent in building robust 5G infrastructure. Their success is underpinned by timely spectrum allocation, strategic initiatives for rural coverage, and geographical advantages that facilitate deployment—factors that have collectively positioned them ahead of global competitors such as the United States, South Korea, and Qatar.

High urbanization rates, flat terrain in countries like Denmark and Finland, and extraordinary average revenue per user (ARPU) have further strengthened the nordics’ dominance in 5G. Operators across the region have been rapid to highlight their achievements, with recent announcements showcasing significant milestones in population coverage. As an example, Telia in Finland has made notable strides, demonstrating the region’s commitment to widespread and equitable 5G deployment.

The Nordic countries have adopted a holistic approach to 5G, emphasizing collaboration between governments, telecom operators, and technology providers. Policymakers have played a crucial role by implementing carrot-and-stick measures to incentivize rapid deployment while ensuring rural and underserved areas are not left behind.Spectrum strategy has also been a cornerstone of their success, with a focus on pioneering low-band spectrum to enhance coverage and performance.

Looking ahead, the Nordic model offers a blueprint for global 5G success. Their emphasis on network sharing, innovative policies, and strategic rural initiatives provides valuable lessons for other nations aiming to bridge the digital divide. As the Nordics continue to lead the charge in 5G availability, their collaborative efforts and forward-thinking strategies are setting a benchmark for the rest of the world.

Nordic Countries Lead Europe in 5G Connectivity

As the digital revolution accelerates, the Nordic nations—Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden—are at the forefront of 5G technology, setting new standards for connectivity across Europe. Denmark, in particular, has achieved a remarkable milestone with an 83.4% 5G Availability rate, narrowly surpassing Switzerland as the only other European country to exceed 80%. This metric reflects the percentage of users with 5G-enabled devices who spend most of their time connected to 5G networks.

Strategic Spectrum Allocation: The Key to Success

One of the critical factors behind the Nordics’ 5G success is their innovative use of spectrum allocation. Unlike many European countries that rely on Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS)—a technology enabling 4G and 5G to coexist on the same frequency bands—the Nordics have focused on dedicated 5G networks. While DSS offers a quick and cost-effective way to expand coverage, it often compromises network performance. Countries like Ireland (61.9%) and the Netherlands (60.5%) have adopted this approach,but the Nordics’ strategy has proven more effective in delivering reliable and high-speed connectivity.

Low-Band Deployment: Bridging Urban and Rural Gaps

The Nordics’ emphasis on low-band spectrum deployment has been instrumental in achieving widespread 5G coverage, even in rural areas. This strategy ensures deeper network penetration and consistent user experiences across diverse landscapes. As a notable example, Norway’s 5G network now reaches “close to 99% of the population,” while Finland’s DNA has extended coverage to “all municipalities in mainland finland.” Similarly, Sweden’s Tele2 and Telenor, through their Net4Mobility collaboration, have achieved “over 90% population coverage with 5G.”

Two-Speed Europe: Nordic countries Dominate 5G Availability
Speedtest Intelligence® | 5G Availability (%) in Q4 2024

A Unified Approach to 5G Deployment

The Nordic model stands out for its seamless integration of strategic planning, government support, and operator collaboration. This unified approach has not only accelerated 5G adoption but also set a benchmark for other European nations striving to balance urban and rural connectivity. The result is faster, more reliable internet access—a cornerstone of economic growth and innovation in today’s digital economy.

Lessons for Europe

As Europe faces a growing disparity in 5G deployment, the Nordic success story offers valuable insights. Their focus on long-term planning,efficient spectrum use,and inclusive coverage strategies demonstrates how nations can overcome challenges to achieve technological leadership. For consumers,this means enhanced connectivity that drives progress and unlocks new opportunities in the digital age.

The Nordic Blueprint: How Scandinavia Became a 5G Powerhouse

Scandinavia is setting the global standard for 5G connectivity, outpacing much of Europe and the world.With a combination of innovative policies, strategic spectrum allocation, and a commitment to bridging the urban-rural divide, the Nordic nations have emerged as leaders in the 5G revolution. Their success offers valuable lessons for other regions striving to achieve seamless connectivity.

Nordic advantage: Low-Band Spectrum and Early Adoption

One of the key factors behind the Nordics’ 5G success is their pioneering use of low-band spectrum, notably the 700 MHz band. While many European countries relied heavily on Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS), the Nordics took a different approach. Finland led the charge by allocating the 700 MHz band as early as 2016, followed by Norway in 2019. This low-band spectrum, known for its excellent propagation characteristics, enabled deeper indoor coverage and better rural access.

The benefits of this strategy are clear. According to Finnish regulator Traficom, nearly 25% of all smartphone traffic in Finland originated on 5G networks in early 2024. This figure far exceeds that of countries like Spain and Portugal, where 5G adoption remains below 20%. The Nordics’ early access to affordable spectrum—Finland’s cost was just €0.218 MHz/pop compared to France’s €0.701 MHz/pop—has been a game-changer.

Policy Innovations: The Carrot-and-Stick Approach

Beyond technology, the Nordics’ 5G achievements are rooted in forward-thinking policies. Norway, as an example, has set an ambitious goal to become the “world’s most digitalised country by 2030.” In 2018, Nordic prime ministers signed a Letter of Intent (LOI), committing to transforming the region into the “first and most integrated 5G region in the world.”

To turn this vision into reality, Nordic regulators adopted a “carrot-and-stick” approach. Financial incentives and regulatory measures were introduced to ensure operators met rollout targets while receiving government support.Sweden, which initially lagged behind its neighbors, quickly closed the gap thanks to these progressive policies.

denmark: A Case Study in 5G Excellence

Denmark has emerged as a standout example of 5G success. According to Speedtest Intelligence®,all regions in the country achieved at least 70% 5G availability by the end of 2024. This achievement is largely attributed to Denmark’s unique geographic and demographic advantages, including high urban density, a minimal rural population, and flat terrain.

Despite lower-than-average revenue per user (ARPU), Denmark’s four major operators collaborated to deliver robust nationwide 5G coverage. This milestone has set a benchmark for other countries striving to achieve similar success.

Blueprint for the Future: Lessons from the Nordics

The Nordic nations have proven that 5G success requires more than just cutting-edge technology. Strategic spectrum allocation,robust policy frameworks,and a commitment to inclusivity are equally critical.As other regions seek to emulate their achievements, the Nordics offer a compelling blueprint for the future of global connectivity.

By learning from their innovative approaches, countries worldwide can accelerate their own 5G deployments and ensure that the benefits of high-speed connectivity reach everyone—whether in bustling cities or remote rural areas.

Favorable Demographics and Geography Drive 5G Success Across Denmark
Speedtest Intelligence® | 5G Availability (%) in Q4 2024

Denmark’s innovative strategies in 5G deployment have set a benchmark for other countries.By linking low-band spectrum auctions in 2019 to regional coverage obligations,Denmark ensured that operators provided specific underserved areas with minimum download speeds of 30 Mbps and upload speeds of 3 Mbps by April 2022. Reduced license fees for expanded commitments further incentivized operators to prioritize areas with limited network access.

Norway Achieves Remarkable 5G Availability Despite Lower Urbanization
Speedtest Intelligence® | 5G Availability (%) in Q4 2024

Norway has also made significant progress in 5G deployment, especially in its remote northern regions like Finnmark. Known for their sparse populations and harsh Arctic climate, these areas now boast higher 5G availability rates than many densely populated parts of Europe. A key factor behind this success is the €140 million financial backing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to Tele2, which, through its Net4Mobility partnership with Telenor, has accelerated 5G expansion in Sweden’s rural zones.

Rural Sweden Outpaces European Norms in 5G Availability
Speedtest Intelligence® | 5G Availability (%) in Q4 2024

In early 2024,the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) granted a 15-year €85 million loan to Lyse AS,the parent company of Norway’s third-largest mobile operator,Ice. This funding is being used to upgrade over 2,800 existing mobile sites and construct more than 3,500 new ones, ensuring widespread access to high-speed 5G networks across the country.

• Finland implemented similar measures during its 2016 700 MHz auction, mandating 99% population coverage within four years. operators were allowed to include existing networks in other frequency bands (800 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2.6 GHz) to meet this ambitious target.
• Sweden assigned two 10 MHz lots in its 2018 700 MHz auction with strict coverage obligations. Operators were required to invest up to €30 million to deploy new mobile sites and ensure minimum download speeds of 10 Mbps in prioritized areas.The phased targets included 25% coverage by the end of 2021 and full coverage by the end of 2024.

denmark’s success story highlights the effectiveness of well-designed policies and the importance of leveraging geographical and demographic advantages. Its high urban density and flat terrain have enabled operators to achieve widespread 5G availability, even in less profitable rural areas.This approach serves as a model for other nations seeking to bridge the digital divide.

Nordic Countries Lead the Charge in Rural 5G Deployment

While many European nations struggle to extend 5G connectivity beyond urban centers,the Nordic countries—Norway,Sweden,Denmark,and Finland—are setting a new standard. Through innovative strategies and collaborative efforts, these nations are ensuring that even their most remote regions benefit from next-generation mobile networks.

Norway Outpaces Europe in Rural 5G Availability
Speedtest Intelligence® | 5G Availability (%) in Q4 2024

Norway’s success in rural 5G deployment is a testament to the power of strategic investments. With backing from institutions like the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB), the country has upgraded its infrastructure and developed new sites. this has enabled seamless 5G access in even the most isolated areas, positioning Norway as a leader in rural connectivity.

Sweden’s Rural North Sees rapid 5G Growth
Speedtest Intelligence® | 5G Availability (%) in Q4 2024

Sweden, particularly its northern regions, has also made significant strides. Targeted investments and strategic partnerships have not only improved 5G availability but also set a benchmark for rural network development across Europe. These efforts highlight the importance of tailored solutions in addressing connectivity challenges.

Collaborative Efforts Drive 5G Expansion in the Nordics

What sets the Nordic countries apart is their emphasis on collaboration. Unlike many European nations, operators in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden are embracing deep network-sharing agreements. This approach has made 5G rollouts more cost-effective and efficient, accelerating deployment in rural areas.

in Denmark, Telia and Telenor have joined forces through the TT Network initiative. Similarly, DNA and Telia in Finland have collaborated on the Finnish Shared Network, focusing on northern and eastern regions. sweden’s Tele2 and Telenor have also partnered through the Net4Mobility joint venture. These alliances are not only reducing costs but also ensuring that 5G reaches even the most remote communities.

Deep Network Sharing Among Nordic Operators
Speedtest intelligence® | 5G Availability (%) in Q4 2024

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Finland reported the highest proportion of mobile users without network access at 1.9%, compared to Norway’s 0.8%. This disparity underscores the ongoing hurdles in achieving universal connectivity. Additionally, while 3G networks are being phased out, the shutdown of 2G networks has been delayed in some areas. such as, Telia in Sweden has postponed its 2G switch-off to 2025 to avoid disrupting critical industries like agriculture, where legacy systems such as milking robots and irrigation setups still rely on 2G technology.

These strategic decisions highlight the delicate balance between adopting cutting-edge technology and supporting sectors that depend on older systems. As the Nordic region continues to lead in 5G innovation, its collaborative approach offers valuable lessons for other countries aiming to bridge the urban-rural connectivity gap.

The Nordic model demonstrates that with the right investments, partnerships, and strategies, it is possible to bring advanced connectivity to even the most remote corners of the world.Their success serves as an inspiration for nations seeking to ensure that no community is left behind in the digital age.

How the Nordics Paved the way for Equitable 5G Access

The Nordic countries—Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden—have become trailblazers in the global race to deploy 5G networks. their success stems from a combination of strategic planning, innovative policies, and regional collaboration. By focusing on both urban and rural areas, they’ve ensured that 5G connectivity is widespread and accessible to all. Here’s a closer look at the key strategies behind their achievements.

Securing Low-Band Spectrum for Better Coverage

One of the Nordics’ standout moves was their early focus on the 700 MHz frequency band. This low-band spectrum is known for its superior propagation characteristics, making it ideal for both densely populated cities and remote rural areas. By prioritizing this band, Nordic nations ensured deeper indoor coverage and reliable connectivity in underserved regions. This approach set them apart from other European countries that relied more heavily on Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) technologies.

Affordable Spectrum for Widespread Deployment

Another critical factor was their cost-effective approach to spectrum allocation. As a notable example, Finland’s spectrum acquisition cost was just €0.218 MHz per capita, significantly lower than France’s €0.701 MHz per capita. By keeping these costs manageable, Nordic governments made it financially viable for telecom operators to invest in extensive 5G infrastructure, ensuring rapid and widespread deployment.

Forward-Thinking Policies to Drive Progress

The Nordic governments also implemented a mix of incentives and regulatory measures to accelerate 5G rollout. Denmark, for example, introduced coverage obligations and reduced license fees, encouraging operators to focus on underserved areas. Similarly,Finland and Sweden tied ambitious coverage targets to their spectrum auctions,ensuring that operators had clear goals to meet. These policies created an environment conducive to rapid technological advancement.

Empowering Rural Areas with Strategic Investments

Norway’s success in rural 5G deployment underscores the importance of financial support. Institutions like the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) played a crucial role in funding infrastructure upgrades and new site constructions in remote regions. This financial backing enabled operators to overcome geographical challenges and extend 5G access to even the most isolated communities.

A Shared Commitment to Regional Integration

In 2018, the nordic prime ministers signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to transform the region into the world’s most integrated 5G zone.This collaborative vision fostered innovation and progress across the Nordics,even in countries like Sweden that initially trailed behind. By working together, the Nordic nations created a unified strategy that benefited the entire region.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

The Nordics’ unique geography and demographics presented both challenges and opportunities. Their relatively low population density and vast rural areas could have been obstacles to 5G deployment.Though, by leveraging their strengths—such as advanced technological expertise and strong public-private partnerships—they turned these challenges into advantages, ensuring equitable access to 5G for all citizens.

Key Takeaways: A Blueprint for Success

The Nordic approach to 5G deployment offers valuable lessons for other regions. By focusing on low-band spectrum, cost-effective allocation, robust policies, financial support for rural areas, and regional collaboration, they’ve created a model for equitable and widespread 5G access. Their success demonstrates that with the right strategies and partnerships, even the most challenging barriers can be overcome.

How Denmark’s 5G Success Offers a Roadmap for Global connectivity

Denmark’s remarkable 5G rollout serves as a testament to how geography and strategic planning can shape technological progress. With its high urban density, flat terrain, and limited rural population, the country has achieved near-universal 5G coverage. This accomplishment highlights the importance of adapting strategies to fit local conditions,a lesson that resonates far beyond its borders.

Lessons from the Nordics: A Blueprint for 5G Deployment

The Nordic region, with Denmark at its forefront, provides a compelling framework for other nations striving for equitable and widespread 5G adoption. Their success isn’t accidental—it’s the result of carefully crafted policies and innovative approaches. Here are the key elements that make their blueprint effective:

• Using low-band spectrum to maximize coverage across diverse landscapes.
• Adopting cost-efficient methods for spectrum allocation to ensure affordability.
• Creating policies that strike a balance between incentives for providers and regulatory requirements.
• Securing funding to expand infrastructure into rural and remote areas, bridging the digital divide.
• Encouraging regional cooperation to foster a shared vision for seamless connectivity.

These strategies aren’t just theoretical; they’ve been put into practice with tangible results. By prioritizing accessibility and collaboration, the Nordics have set a benchmark for the rest of the world.

Why This Matters for Global 5G Adoption

As nations worldwide race to deploy 5G networks, the Nordic model offers valuable insights. The challenge isn’t just about achieving coverage—it’s about ensuring that the benefits of next-generation connectivity reach everyone, regardless of location. by adopting these strategies, countries can close the gap between urban and rural areas, delivering faster speeds, lower latency, and greater reliability to all citizens.

The Nordics continue to lead by example, proving that a unified vision and strategic investment can transform the global digital landscape.Their approach isn’t just a blueprint; it’s an inspiration for the future of connectivity.

How can countries replicate the Nordic model’s focus on affordable spectrum allocation to encourage operator investment in 5G deployment?

Ocusing on low-band spectrum, implementing cost-effective spectrum policies, fostering collaboration, and strategically investing in rural infrastructure, the Nordic countries have demonstrated that widespread and equitable 5G access is achievable. Their holistic strategy underscores the importance of addressing both technological and socio-economic factors to bridge the digital divide.

Here’s a summary of their key strategies:

• Early Focus on Low-Band Spectrum: Prioritizing the 700 MHz band for better coverage in rural and urban areas.
• Affordable Spectrum Allocation: keeping spectrum costs low to encourage operator investment.
• Forward-Thinking Policies: Using incentives and regulatory measures to drive rapid deployment.
• Financial Support for Rural Areas: Leveraging institutional funding to extend coverage to remote regions.
• Regional Collaboration: Working together to create an integrated 5G network across the Nordics.
• Leveraging Unique Advantages: Using geographic and demographic strengths to overcome challenges.

The Nordic model serves as a blueprint for other nations aiming to achieve equitable 5G access. By adopting similar strategies, countries can ensure that even their most remote communities benefit from the transformative potential of next-generation connectivity.