TeliaSonera launches world’s first 4G service

Sweden’s TeliaSonera became the first company to launch a 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless service commercially, with coverage now offered in Stockholm and Oslo.

TeliaSonera said its 4G speeds could be ten times faster than 3G, with consumers able to utilize services that current mobile infrastructure cannot handle.

The company also has agreements for nationwide 4G LTE service in Sweden, Finland and Norway.  Interestingly, the company used hardware leased from Ericsson in Stockholm, but used Huawei hardware to build the 4G infrastructure in Oslo.  Both companies will compete to try to determine who TeliaSonera will choose for coverage for Sweden, Finland and Norway.

“We are very proud to be the first operator in the world to offer our customers 4G services,” said Kenneth Karlberg, TeliaSonera President of mobility services, in a statement.  “The use of mobile broadband in the Nordic countries is exploding and customers need higher speeds and capacity. This is why we launched 4G services in both Stockholm and Oslo.”

The number of consumers using mobile data continues to increase. Due to this, wireless providers are now racing to provide 3G coverage, as some providers begin to offer 4G network coverage.  European consumers will only be able to access the new 4G network using PCs and notebooks, as there aren’t any 4G-enabled phones available.  However, telecom officials expect 4G to expand from data cards to mobile phones, high-definition TV, gaming, and other streaming services.

European companies have the support of the European Commission, which has pledged €18 million into 4G development in August, with additional funds expected over the next 24 months.