How Nokia and TNN are scaling AI–ready 5G in Denmark

Nokia has signed a four-year extension with TNN to remain sole supplier of 5G radio access networks and managed services across Denmark.

The programme focuses on AI-ready and autonomous capabilities to lift service quality, speeds and capacity for consumers and enterprises. TNN operates Denmark’s largest shared mobile network as a joint venture between Norlys and Telenor, with work already under way.

Daniel Askeroth, SVP Telco at Norlys, says: "We are focused on delivering the best network to our customers across Denmark. 

“That is why we continue to invest in best-in-class mobile network infrastructure to improve the network performance and customer experience. 

“Partnering with Nokia will provide us with an autonomous, AI-powered 5G network, enabling us to offer the best services to our customers and embracing the opportunities of 5G and beyond." said Daniel Askeroth, SVP Telco, Norlys.

The news follows Nokia’s announcement which highlighted that Nvidia will invest US$1bn in Nokia to grow AI-RAN innovation and pioneer the transition from 5G to 6G.

Justin Hotard, President and CEO OF Nokia said: “The next leap in telecom isn’t just from 5G to 6G - it’s a fundamental redesign of the network to deliver AI-powered connectivity, capable of processing intelligence from the data center all the way to the edge. 

“Our partnership with NVIDIA and their investment in Nokia, will accelerate AI-RAN innovation to put an AI data center into everyone’s pocket. 

“We’re proud to drive this industry transformation with NVIDIA, Dell Technologies and T-Mobile U.S., our first AI-RAN deployments in T-Mobile’s network will ensure America leads in the advanced connectivity that AI needs.”

Energy-efficient 5G RAN upgrade

Nokia will modernise the nationwide network using its AirScale RAN portfolio to support premium 5G services for more than three million subscribers. The vendor will supply Habrok Massive MIMO radios and Pandion multi-band remote radio heads to address dense urban, suburban and rural deployment scenarios. 

AI-ready AirScale baseband platforms, Ponente, Lodos and Levante, will provide higher throughput, scalability and energy efficiency to accommodate traffic growth. 

These platforms are powered by Nokia’s ReefShark system-on-chip technology to maximise performance and reliability.

AI, automation and self-optimising operations

TNN will adopt Nokia’s MantaRay suite for network management and optimisation. MantaRay SON brings self-organising network functions, while MantaRay AutoPilot uses intent-based, AI-driven control to orchestrate SON modules in real time.

The aim is to improve performance, cut operational costs and simplify 5G operations. Nokia Managed Services will apply advanced AI and automation to streamline day-to-day network management, supporting consistent service quality and better customer experience.

Louise Haurum, Chief Technology Officer, Telenor Denmark, says: "Renewing our 5G partnership with Nokia marks a significant step forward in delivering seamless, high-performance connectivity to our customers. 

The collaboration empowers us to accelerate innovation, enhance network resilience and bring transformative digital experiences to homes and businesses across Denmark." 

Shared network, wider capacity

As a shared network operator, TNN’s upgrade is designed to extend coverage and capacity while maintaining efficient site utilisation. With Massive MIMO, multi-band RRHs and the latest baseband platforms, the deployment targets spectral efficiency and flexible spectrum use across bands. 

The combination of AI-ready software and energy-saving hardware aligns with national goals on sustainability as operators scale 5G.

Partnership momentum

Mark Atkinson, Head of Radio Access Network, Nokia, says: "This enhanced deal with TNN reflects our strong partnership and Nokia's position as a trusted technology provider delivering industry-leading 5G solutions and advanced AI and automation capabilities for enhanced operational efficiency and network quality. 

“We are helping TNN expand 5G coverage and capacity to deliver best-in-class connectivity experiences and new digital services to its customers." 

The expansion of the collaboration highlight s a multi-year roadmap for Denmark’s 5G evolution. 

By combining energy-efficient radios, high-performance basebands and closed-loop automation, Nokia and TNN are positioning the network for new consumer and enterprise services, from high-capacity mobile broadband to advanced business applications.

For Denmark’s shared network model, the focus on automation and AI is intended to deliver consistent performance at scale while keeping operational complexity in check.