Based on TeliaSonera and Ericsson’s common understanding of market and customer needs, the two companies will develop 5G use-cases and service scenarios, including both communication and Internet of Things (IoT) services with the purpose to address new business opportunities, the companies announced today. The partnership will bring 5G services to customers in 2018 by combining the TeliaSonera network with Ericsson technology.

"Stockholm and Tallinn are two of the most connected cities in the world and now we will take them to the next level. 5G will create completely new innovations, ecosystems and great services to our customers," Johan Dennelind, President and CEO TeliaSonera, said in a press release.

Potential 5G applications could include e-health with real time surveillance of patients and remote treatment; connected cars including critical communication between vehicles (warnings, support to self-driving cars etc) as well as better network performance in terms of capacity, coverage and power consumption.

Sweden has long been a pioneer ICT-nation and notably Ericsson and TeliaSonera launched the world’s first 4G network in Sweden in 2009. Estonia has acknowledged the economic importance of a digital society and is one of the most advanced e-societies in the world.

According to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report, there will be 150 million 5G subscriptions by the end of 2021.