Telia has become the first operator in Norway to achieve nationwide coverage with its 5G network, delivering 99% population reach by the end of 2024, just four years after launching its initial 5G base stations in Lillestrøm. The impact has been significant: data traffic on Telia’s network has risen by 102% since 2022, with 5G now carrying almost half of all mobile data in Norway. Despite this surge, the company has managed to reduce its energy use by 44%, offering tangible benefits for both consumers and the environment.

The marked efficiency of 5G technology is a key factor behind these results. According to Georg Svendsen, Telia Norway’s Head of Infrastructure, the advanced spectrum enables far more data to be transmitted using less electricity. Practical initiatives, such as automatically powering down base stations during periods of low demand, have further optimised energy consumption without compromising service quality. These smart measures ensure that resources are used judiciously while maintaining a reliable and high-performing network for customers.

Telia’s achievements have not gone unnoticed; in early 2025, the company secured the highest ranking among Norwegian operators in an independent benchmarking by Rohde & Schwarz, scoring 829 out of a possible 1,000 NPS points, one of the strongest results globally. Looking ahead, with mobile data volumes expected to double again by 2026, Telia has pledged to limit its rise in electricity consumption to 7% and to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. Notably, Telia’s networks have operated entirely on renewable energy since 2020, underscoring the company’s commitment to sustainability.