Rapid expansion of 5G networks
With unprecedented speed and capacity 5G networks have taken the telecommunications field by storm. Especially in tech-savvy Sweden. Being the early birds with research conducted as early as 2016, and with the first operational 5G mast in 2018 by Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), this Nordic country is breaking new grounds.
A rapid expansion in commercial 5G networks has now also reached a broader spectrum of users, as reported by Abonnemangsjakt. With more mobile telephone services joining in, and private investments in infrastructure, the latest in telecommunications will soon be a reality for most users.
First commercial 5G networks in urban areas
Excluding the exceptions of 5G masts in non-commercial use by research facilities and other testbeds, the first major 5G networks for Sweden’s capital Stockholm were launched as early as of May this year. The first telecommunications operator to provide this service was Tele2, as reported by Dagens Industri. Although this was tightly followed by Telia the next day.
Since then, the race has just intensified with more Swedish telecommunications operators joining in to attract its customers. By midsummer the amount of base stations had exploded. From 15 stations the previous month to more than 60 new stations built by June. At the end of this year, Telia reports that 12 more networks will be introduced in bigger cities.
Precautions regarding 5G
Although 5G offers a service where the demand has greatly exceeded the supply, there have been precautions taken regarding the fast expansion. Most notable is the recent ban of Huawei and ZTE on upcoming Swedish 5G networks, as reported by Reuters. The decision was announced earlier by The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS), following advice by both the security services and Sweden’s armed forces. Thus joining the company of other European governments with similar bans.
What the future holds for us
The next generation of mobile networks with 5G will not only come in handy for the private customer but also impact businesses. By introducing speeds of IT-traffic never seen before will not only improve current operations but also introduce totally new areas. The question that arises more frequently is however if compatibility can keep up the tempo. While offering unlimited browsing at unprecedented speeds and amounts, the regular user has most likely upgraded to a mobile phone that can cope with the change.