Norway Signs Development Agreement to Build World's First 5G-Based Emergency Network Across Three Mobile Operators

The Norwegian government and operators Telenor, Telia and Lyse have formalised a binding development agreement to deliver a next-generation emergency communications network built on 5G, targeting initial deployment by end of 2029.

Norway has taken a significant step toward modernising its emergency communications infrastructure, with the government and three major mobile operators — Telenor, Telia and Lyse — signing a development agreement that establishes a structured framework for testing and delivering a new national emergency network based on 5G technology.

The agreement, overseen by the Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom), sets out the scope and methodology for trials involving advanced technologies including AI and sensor integration. It follows a strategic cooperation framework concluded between the state and the operators in late 2024, and marks a transition from intent to binding collaboration.

Norway's Minister of Digitalisation and Public Administration, Karianne Tung, highlighted the operational benefits of the migration to broadband-based emergency communications:

"The new emergency network will give health, police and fire services better and faster situational awareness when we can all share images and video in addition to voice."

A central objective of the testing phase is risk reduction and informed technology selection, ensuring that decisions regarding the establishment, operation and maintenance of the new network are grounded in validated, real-world evidence. An innovation arena is to be established as part of the programme, bringing together government agencies, mobile operators, emergency response actors and technology suppliers to co-develop solutions.

John-Eivind Velure, Director of Nkom, underlined the significance of the multi-operator approach:

"Norway is the first country in the world to implement emergency networks in three mobile networks. Users of emergency networks will get an even better tool to save lives."

Emergency and preparedness services will play a central role throughout the development process, with the network design centred on their operational requirements and the need for seamless interoperability across agencies.

All three operators expressed strong commitment to the programme. Birgitte Engebretsen, CEO of Telenor Norway, stated that the company would contribute its nationwide mobile infrastructure to ensure emergency services have access to real-time situational awareness regardless of when or where a crisis unfolds.

Kristin Dahle Larsen, Executive Vice President of Lyse Tele, described the company as "a driving force for the development of the emergency network of the future," while Bjørn Ivar Moen, CEO of Telia Norway, said the collaboration had all the prerequisites to produce the world's best emergency network.

The new network is scheduled to be ready for its first users towards the end of 2029.