Telia and Ericsson are launching NorthStar – a 5G innovation program for industrial enterprises.
NorthStar aims to accelerate the 5G adoption and transformation of industries, thereby strengthening the country’s international competitiveness.
The program will initially focus on customers´ innovation and R&D units in the automotive and transportation sectors and the first customer is AstaZero, an independent test environment for automated transport systems.
NorthStar’s 5G network utilizes Ericsson’s dual-mode 5G Core, and connects to Telia’s existing public 5G network, currently being rolled out across Sweden. Additionally, customers will be able to build their own networks at their own locations, for example test sites and R&D facilities, and connect them to the NorthStar network.
Anders Olsson, CEO at Telia Sweden, says: “Sweden is an industrial powerhouse with iconic brands that reach around the globe. Scaling digital solutions and turning new technologies into tangible business benefits is critical if these companies, and Sweden as a nation, are to remain competitive. Without access to robust and secure digital infrastructure, businesses risk falling behind. Through the NorthStar program, we welcome industrial players to collaborate and trial their solutions using the latest 5G technology, which will help accelerate the development of smart and sustainable transport solutions.”