5G regulation and law in Norway

5G deployment is advanced, with the latest available public data showing that more than 99% of households were covered as of 30 June 2024. About 92% of households have 5G coverage with download speeds of at least 30 Mbit/s, and about 69% of households have 5G coverage with download speeds at 100 Mbit/s or more. 5G deployment have been rapidly increasing, from just 23% on 30 June 2021.

The goal is for all households to have coverage from three different 5G-networks (Telenor, Telia and Ice). There are substantial regional differences as to progress. For urban areas, over 80% of households are covered by three 5G-networks (up from 47.5% a year earlier), but in rural areas only 29% of households achieve this goal.

With regards to the StandAlone (SA) 5G Network, the two largest providers (Telenor and Telia) are currently testing and slowly implementing SA 5G Networks. The third network-supplier, Ice, has already switched on its 5G SA service, but Ice’sr 5G coverage is currently the lowest of the three networks, and is probably at approx. 80 % coverage in urban areas and 30 % in rural areas.

The Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom) is responsible for planning, allocation and supervision, and specifies which frequencies may be used for different services. Nkom allocates capacity to operators through auctions for different frequencies.

Operators that have been allocated bandwidth must offer broadband services to both households and industrial buildings. 

Nkom conducts auctions for different frequencies, and has conducted several in the last years. Interested bidders are required to register in advance. The auctions award spectrum licences from different spectrums, i.e. 2500 MHz to 2690 MHz and 3400 MHz to 3800 MHz. To ensure multiple companies win licences, there is often an upper limit per company. The licences are often for a duration of 20 years. There are basically three major different companies that have won substantial parts of the spectrum.

There will be an auction for the 26 GHz band (25,1 – 27,5), most likely during 2025. The plan is to distribute three national licenses for 800 MHz.

There have been several conditions. Among them are usually conditions regarding effect, protection of altimeters and sonar installations, and ensuring access for consumers and industrial sectors.

Previously companies have been able to enter into an obligation to further build and develop the network, in exchange for a significant discount. Whether this will be possible for future tenders is unclear.

The upcoming tender will not be conducted as an auction. Nkom has suggested a price of NOK 115m (USD 10.15m) for 800 MHz, although the final price is not yet clear, as the companies have indicated that the value of the spectrum may not be sufficient for them to commit to the suggested price. 

Yes. The processes for allocating licenses are publically announced at regular intervals. It may, however, appear as the process is slowing down somewhat, as  5G coverage is starting to reach sufficient levels, at least for some companies.

Currently, there are no 5G specific rules planned. As mentioned, the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC) is being implemented in national legislation.

Yes. The two largest 5G providers, Telenor and Telia, share access to their networks with several other companies.

The Norwegian Electronic Communications Act (Ekomloven) says that authorities may order providers to meet any reasonable request to enter into or amend an agreement on access to electronic communications networks and services.

The EECC directive is deemed EEA-relevant and will be implemented pending parliamentary approval. The eventual implementation of the directive will require a substantial revision of the current legislation.

Authorities are on high alert for the risk of hostile foreign control over 5G networks. Although Nkom has not yet made any substantial comments regarding cybersecurity directly connected to 5G, the agency has noted in previous auctions, with reference to the Norwegian National Security Act, that persons or undertakings may be refused participation in order to prevent activities representing a significant security risk.

The Norwegian Data Protection Authority has published an overview of the main safety concerns regarding data privacy on the 5G network. The Authority recommends the ENISA Threat Landscape for 5G Networks Report for further reading.

 There is very little substantial news regarding 6G in Norway, but NKOM assume it will become accessible, to some degree, in around 2030.