Telenor and Telia claim Multi-Operator Core Network first in Denmark

Every Nordic country was represented when Telenor and Telia got Nokia to help them build a new shared network in Denmark.

They are collectively laying claim to the world’s most advanced shared wireless network, thanks to the use of a feature called Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN). This enables distinct mobile operators with their own core network to share a common radio access network infrastructure as well as spectrum resources, according to the announcement.

“This is a major step on our 5G journey, and I really look forward to start testing with real customers and understanding how 5G can provide true value for them,” said Henrik Kofod CTO at Telia Denmark. “I hope this will inspire other operators in the Danish market to move in the same direction. Network sharing is a great choice when it comes to building sustainable 5G networks. When we maximize our resource utilization, we lower our carbon footprint and optimize our investments.”

“Network sharing is a clear strategic priority for Telenor to continuously deliver one of the best mobile networks in the world, supporting safe and reliable connectivity to our private and business users,” said Georg Svendsen CTO at Telenor.

“Deploying 5G networks independently can be an expensive undertaking for mobile operators in the most competitive markets,” said Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia. “This trial highlights that through network sharing, operators can drive efficiencies, lower costs and bring the myriad benefits of 5G to businesses and consumers quickly. We hope that this trial demonstrates to operators around the world that there are multiple options open to them to get their 5G networks up and running quickly and at the lowest possible cost.”

Of course network sharing makes sense if the operators involved can significantly reduce the cost of network infrastructure while maintaining a similar level of performance. There is a slightly self-harming air to these sorts of announcements from kit vendors as network sharing presumably means they flog less gear. But if that’s what their customers want it would be even more self-defeating not to sell it to them.