Telia is widening its commercial 5G standalone ambitions across its operating footprint. The move signals a stronger push toward safer connectivity, better security, and new digital services.
The update came during the company’s third-quarter earnings call. Chief executive officer and president Patrik Hofbauer linked the expansion to reliability and service innovation.
“We are expanding commercial 5G standalone capabilities across our footprint for safer and more reliable connectivity, better protection against digital threats, and as a platform for new services that can take advantages of the full potential of 5G,” the executive said.
However, Telia did not share detailed country plans. It also did not confirm a specific rollout schedule. That leaves operators, partners, and enterprise users waiting for clearer deployment signals.
At the same time, Telia is preparing a major network shift in Norway. The company plans to combine radio access network operations with rival Ice. Both operators will keep separate core networks and remain market competitors.
This structure matters for telecom engineers and market watchers. The radio access network handles the connection between devices and cell sites. The core network manages services, traffic control, and customer data.
By sharing radio infrastructure, Telia and Ice can reduce duplication. They can also improve coverage with a more efficient site strategy. Yet the model requires strong governance and regulatory approval.
The planned joint operation will have its own organization. Telia expects the operation to start in early 2027. Traffic migration should finish before the end of that year.
Network build-out in Norway will then continue through 2030. Telia expects limited near-term impact on service revenue and EBITDA. Larger savings should appear gradually.
From 2029 onward, Telia estimates annual benefits between NOK 300 million and NOK 400 million. That equals roughly $32.3 million at the lower end. The savings should come from lower costs and reduced capital spending.
Coverage remains a central part of the Norwegian plan. Telia expects better service in cities, rural areas, roads, railways, and cabin regions. The combined network should also add capacity where demand is rising.
Still, regulators will assess whether the deal protects competition. Telia argues that separate core networks preserve consumer choice. The company also says the arrangement can strengthen Norway’s digital infrastructure.
Beyond Norway, Telia is simplifying its technology estate. It is closing older systems and modernizing internal platforms. It is also improving vendor processes and delivery accuracy.
The company launched enhanced Caller ID in Finland during the quarter. It also introduced Mobile DNS Firewall in several markets. These services target fraud, identity protection, and safer browsing.
Telia is also adding more automation to customer support. “This quarter, we also launched a new AI assistant in our customer service, and it has successfully reduced responding times and received positive customer feedback,” the executive said.
For the wider telecom sector, Telia’s strategy reflects a broader shift. Operators want leaner networks, stronger security, and clearer paths to service revenue. Standalone 5G gives them a better platform, but execution remains critical.
