5G offers data transfer up to 150 times faster than the current 4G networks. This new generation of wireless technology will meet requirements in terms of mobility, data speed, reliability, security and energy efficiency. As a result, it will speed up digitalisation and innovations in the area of Industry 4.0, IoT and autonomous vehicles.

“Introduction of 5G technology will enable new services and increase the business opportunities of enterprises in many industries,” says Anne Berner, the Minister of Transport and Communications in Finland. “I want to initiate dialogue with the industry on frequency political decisions that we need to make to remain a forerunner in 5G development. When distributing frequencies we should pay attention to the needs of the new operators and the new local solutions they require.”

Broadband backbone

“In addition to mobile connections, fixed connections are needed. Even though 5G is a mobile technology, its introduction requires optical fibre networks. We should be focusing on the construction of optical fibre networks much more than are today.”

The minister has called for more focus on developing fibre grids to support 5G.  Finland is known for its proactive stance with regard to connectivity and broadband development, famously declaring Internet access a human right. The country’s national broadband plan is targeting 99% coverage for the population, currently at 93%. The Government stimulates a competition-driven, fibre-based network roll-out, with a special focus on and assistance for underserved areas, using public funding.

Furthermore, the Finnish Communications Regulatory Authority (FICORA) has granted several different organisations a total of 13 radio licences for 5G testing, product development and experimentation.

Frontrunner position

5G technology harmonization work is underway and 5G networks complying with standards will be introduced globally at the beginning of 2020. However, in the meantime, Finland seems to be gearing up for 5G and preparing for a front-runner role in technology and application development: the University of Oulu, Centria Polytechnic, VTT Technical Research Centre and various corporate partners such as Nokia, Ericsson and Huawei are rolling out the 5GTN+ project, an environment in which new technology can be field-tested. The focus is currently on using small cells to create and expand network capacity. Ericsson and Finnish telecommunications group DNA announced they have carried out 5G tests achieving a 20 Gb/s transmission rate.

There are plenty of other examples of forward-looking Finnish innovations, such as trial installation combining intelligent LED indoor lighting with next-generation 5G mobile networks, aiming to develop new service-oriented business models. VTT Technical Research Centre is coordinating the 5G-Safe project, which aims to reduce traffic accidents. This involves the development of new vehicular network solutions and the local road weather and safety services they enable, in support of drivers, road operators and autonomous vehicle management systems.