Telia Launches First Swedish 5G Standalone-Based IoT Service

Telia claims that its new Telia Critical IoT Connectivity service is the first in Sweden to use 5G standalone access. This allows it to benefit from network slicing, ultra-low latency and heightened security. It also allows for smarter network traffic management, which Telia expects to result in reliable performance even during peak times. 

“Through Telia Critical IoT Connectivity, we’re creating the conditions for companies and organisations to use new digital solutions in the most critical parts of their operations, where the demands are greatest, without compromising security or control,” says Fredrik Stenberg, Head of B2B at Telia Sweden.

5G standalone access connectivity is a key requirement for 5G RedCap (reduced capability) devices – such as wireless security cameras and industrial sensors – that do not need the same high data transfer speeds as smartphones and benefit from prioritising energy efficiency and lower unit costs.

Telia states that its 5G network covers 99% of the Swedish population and more than 94% of the country’s land area. Umlaut recognised Telia as Sweden’s best mobile network for the sixth year in a row, using data collected in 2025.

The benefits of experience

The new service builds on the lessons learned from Telia’s NorthStar 5G innovation programme, which was launched back in 2023. It connected a 5G innovation network with Telia’s public 5G network, to give partners –  including the Swedish Armed Forces and Boliden, a mining company – early access to advanced 5G capabilities. The military is benefiting from positioning solutions for vehicles, equipment and personnel and have been testing tactical 5G networks to create bubbles of temporary coverage in unconnected areas.

In with the new, out with the old

Telia is phasing out its legacy networks that some IoT customers still use. It, like the rest of Sweden’s mobile operators, shut down its 3G network in 2025. Telia is now intending to shut down its 2G network at the end of 2027. 

According to a report by the Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS), Tele2 and Telenor also shut down their 2G networks in 2025. 

It adds that while the automotive, healthcare and social care sectors, as well as municipalities and regions, were particularly affected by the shutdowns due to their reliance on connected equipment that could be affected. 

However, these organisations received sufficiently well-advanced notice to prepare accordingly. When the PTS found in late 2025 that some mobile phones would not be able to make emergency calls after the 2G and 3G shutdowns, it made the operators block the affected devices, resulting in some users having to buy new phones.