Telia is committing hundreds of millions to enhance 5G coverage and capacity along Sweden’s key railway routes. In collaboration with SJ and measurement company, Umlaut, Telia identifies and eliminates connectivity “white spots” along the southern and western main lines.
This initiative marks Telia’s most significant railway-focused network investment, promising passengers faster, safer, and more reliable mobile connectivity.
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Major Network Expansion Underway
The project’s first phase will improve coverage along the Stockholm-Gothenburg and Stockholm-Malmö routes. By 2025, approximately 50 mobile base stations—both new and upgraded—will be equipped with 4G and 5G technology. Telia’s ultimate goal is to achieve uninterrupted mobile connectivity across all railway routes in Sweden by 2030.
In parallel with Telia’s efforts, the Swedish Transport Administration is working to boost mobile network capacity in tunnels and mountainous regions. Meanwhile, SJ has introduced radio-transparent windows on its trains, improving signal reception. As a result, passengers on key routes such as Södertälje–Katrineholm, Vingåker–Alingsås, and Boxholm–Älmhult will soon experience a more stable and high-speed connection.
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5G to Boost Onboard Connectivity
Staffan Åkesson, Telia’s Technical Director, highlighted, “We are now approaching the final stages of our 5G expansion and modernization of the mobile network. That’s why it feels extra gratifying to be able to present a new and important community project, where we are investing heavily in better coverage for all passengers along these railway routes and better equipping everyone who is active on the track, both companies and train operators.”
Monica Lingegård, SJ’s CEO, echoed these sentiments, adding that, “Connectivity on board is very important for our passengers and it is therefore incredibly gratifying that Telia is making this investment. We at SJ have invested heavily in improving reception on board our trains, including by switching to radio-transparent windows, which together with Telia’s investment means a major improvement for our passengers. We hope that this will encourage more people to choose the train.”
With these advancements, Sweden’s railway passengers can look forward to a future governed by seamless, high-speed mobile connectivity, reinforcing trains as a convenient and connected mode of travel.
