Happy birthday, dear mobile!

On October 1, 1981, Telia and Ericsson launched Europe’s first 1G mobile network — helping to kick off a technology wave which would change the world as we knew it. Forty years, and five billion-plus mobile users later, the two companies are still at the forefront of technology, heading 5G development. Telia just exceeded 5.5 million persons/users covered by its 5G networks in the Nordic and Baltics.


It all started in Hammarby, a suburb of Stockholm, where Telia and Ericsson flicked the first switch in the Nordic Mobile Telephony (NMT) network, 1G, on October 1, 1981. It laid the foundation for mobile communication and spread like wildfire all over the world.

By 1985, the network had grown to 110,000 subscribers in the Nordics, making it the world's largest mobile network. Today, 5.2 billion people worldwide rely on the Ericsson and Telia innovation, and the companies will likely change the world again by leading the development of the fifth-generation mobile network, 5G.

  • Telia and Ericsson's collaboration is one of a kind, and together we have pushed technology boundaries for more than a century, making the Nordics and Baltics the world's most connected region. 5G will unleash a new wave of innovation and creativity, reinventing the way we experience all things digital, says Allison Kirkby, President and CEO, Telia Company.

  • Every historical event begins with a first step. Today, we celebrate Ericsson and Telia taking that all-important first step that led to modern connectivity as we know it. Since then, every generation of mobile telephony has brought innovation that has shaped and changed the world. We’re so proud to have been there every step of the way – and look forward to the ongoing journey ahead, says Arun Bansal, President of Europe and Latin America, Ericsson.

Today, Telia announced that the 5G network now covers 5 555 000 people across the Nordic and Baltic countries. Already in 2023, Telia’s 5G network will cover more than 90% of the population in the Nordic and Baltic countries.

  • We have built a complete 5G ecosystem with testbeds, partner programs, and technology trials to support our customers in their digitalization journey. 5G is a catalyst for digital transformation and will enable us in entirely new ways, as individuals, companies, and societies, says Allison Kirkby.

Read more:.

NMT – a Nordic project The father of mobile telephony,

Telia's Östen Mäkitalo

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