Three Sweden Activates Ericsson-Powered 5G SA Network: A Game-Changer for Enterprises
According to Telecoms Tech News, Three Sweden (operating as 3 Skandinavien) has launched its Ericsson-powered standalone 5G (5G SA) network. This marks a significant milestone for the telecom giant as the first operator in Sweden to offer such an advanced network architecture, bringing programmable connectivity and network slicing to enterprises. The deployment is a major step toward enabling bespoke, ultra-reliable, low-latency services specifically tailored to the dynamic needs of Swedish businesses.
Three Sweden’s 5G SA Deployment: What You Need to Know
The new 5G SA architecture by Three Sweden represents a shift from traditional 4G dependencies to a fully cloud-native, software-driven model. Powered by Ericsson’s cloud-native 5G Core and Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies, this network decouples the 5G core from legacy LTE anchors, enabling differentiated, programmable connectivity services via network slicing.
Network slicing, a feature exclusive to standalone 5G networks, partitions the physical infrastructure into multiple virtual networks. With this, enterprises can customise connectivity parameters like latency, uptime, and throughput to meet specific operational needs. For instance, logistics companies can secure slices that guarantee ultra-fast communication for their fleets, while manufacturing plants can enhance real-time automation capabilities. Notably, Three Sweden’s 5G SA is also positioned as a Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) solution to accelerate broadband deployment in underserved areas or temporary business sites.
Rajib Eklund, Chief Information and Technology Officer (CITO) of 3 Skandinavien, highlighted the commercial launch’s significance: “The launch of our 5G Standalone network is a crucial step forward in delivering enhanced services to our customers, and I am proud that we at Three are the first in Sweden to be able to offer this. Ericsson’s 5G technology allows us to significantly improve network efficiency and create tailored connectivity solutions to meet the diverse needs of Swedish businesses and people.”
Industry Context: Why This Launch Matters
The activation of Three Sweden’s 5G SA network is reflective of a global trend among telecom operators toward programmable, software-first networks. According to Statista, the global 5G SA market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 44.7%, reaching $24.5 billion by 2027.
By implementing 5G SA services, Three Sweden aligns itself with this market trajectory, fortifying its position in Sweden’s competitive telecom landscape. This is particularly significant as enterprises increasingly demand reliable, low-latency connectivity for applications such as IoT integration, smart grid management, and immersive AR/VR experiences.
Competitors like Telia and Telenor are also ramping up their 5G capabilities, though most of their offerings are still anchored to non-standalone (NSA) architectures, which rely on existing 4G infrastructure. Three Sweden’s early adoption of 5G SA could give it a first-mover advantage in capturing enterprise clients seeking cutting-edge connectivity solutions.
Future Outlook: Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Beyond performance and programmability, Three Sweden’s 5G SA deployment addresses growing environmental concerns within the telecom sector. As data traffic surges—driven by IoT devices and digital ecosystems—energy-efficient network solutions become paramount. Ericsson’s 5G SA infrastructure reportedly improves energy efficiency per gigabyte of data by leveraging advanced cloud-based management and automation.
Niclas Backlund, Head of Sweden and the Baltics at Ericsson, emphasised the broader implications: “Powered by Ericsson technology end-to-end, this deployment will help Three Sweden to drive productivity, sustainability, and innovation across sectors.”
For enterprises, the transition to 5G SA adds a layer of complexity regarding compatibility and infrastructure investments. Business leaders must evaluate their hardware ecosystems for 5G SA readiness and consider upgrading devices and systems to fully capitalize on the network’s capabilities. The introduction of customised Service Level Agreements (SLAs) through network slicing could also lead to more precise cost-benefit calculations for businesses in industries like logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Conclusion: Is 5G SA Worth It for Enterprises?
Three Sweden’s activation of its Ericsson-powered 5G SA network serves as a benchmark for the Swedish telecom industry and a glimpse into the future of programmable connectivity. By offering tailored connectivity solutions, enhanced energy efficiency, and enterprise-grade flexibility, the operator sets a new standard for mobile networks. However, the key question remains: Will enterprises fully embrace this technology and future-proof their operations to leverage its full potential?
What do you think about the prospects of 5G SA in driving enterprise innovation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
