Q: What's the difference between 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi?

Mobility and mobility requirements – what sets them apart: Cellular networks – 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G are built for stable connectivity on the move. There's a global standard and dedicated spectrum for each operator to manage radio communication. The logic for handling each device or connection runs through the mobile network, efficiently managing devices as they move between locations. The network tells each device which base station to connect to as it moves. Wi-Fi – A good, cost-effective option when mobility is limited. It provides excellent local connectivity and works well for stationary connections within range of a single access point. However, Wi-Fi operates on shared, unlicensed spectrum, which means it can be disrupted by nearby networks. It also lacks the handover logic needed for smooth transitions between access points. This creates brief interruptions when switching access points – for example, during a Teams call when moving between rooms in an office or switching from Wi-Fi to the mobile network.

Question 1

Where can I read more about the umlaut studies?

Accepted Answer

Benchmark organization umlaut's independent annual testing of the four major carriers' mobile networks is the market's most detailed and comprehensive measurement of voice and data performance. Telia was named the winner in the latest test (2025), which you can read more about here.

For more information on how Telia's coverage map is measured, see umlaut's Audit Report 2024, 5G Footprint.

Question 2

What is 5G?

Accepted Answer

5G is the next generation of mobile networks, built on several key technological advances. New antenna technology and higher frequencies enable us to transmit more data at larger volumes. We've also improved how we process data through better algorithms. And devices – like our phones – keep getting more capable.

In short, bandwidth, speed, and everything we use today's 4G networks for will get even better. You can expect speeds up to 10 times faster than 4G, though this will vary depending on your location and how many others are connected at the same time. 5G also significantly reduces latency. One thing's for sure: it's going to be faster.

Learn more about how 5G works here.

Question 3

What do I need to use 5G?

Accepted Answer

To use 5G, you need a phone, a plan, and a network that all support 5G.

Our mobile plans Telia Mobil (for personal customers) are 5G-ready, and Telia Jobbmobil (for business customers) supports 5G. This applies if you signed up for your plan after April 1, 2020 – otherwise, you may need to upgrade.

Telia also carries 5G-ready phones. View them here: Private customer | Business customer

Question 4

Which 5G-ready phones does Telia offer?

Accepted Answer

Most of the phones we sell support 5G. See them here: Private | Business

Have a 5G-ready phone from Telia that still won't connect to the network?
A phone may be technically capable of 5G, but often requires a software update to work on the carrier's network. Telia tests phones on our networks in collaboration with manufacturers. Once testing is complete, manufacturers typically release software updates that enable full network compatibility.

Question 5

When will 5G be available in my area?

Accepted Answer

We launched 5G in Stockholm in May 2020 and have since expanded coverage nationwide.

Today, our 5G network reaches 99.9% of Sweden's population and covers 90% of the country's landmass. But we're not stopping there. We're already investing hundreds of millions to improve coverage along railway lines, strengthen rural connectivity, and ensure that 5G's unique capabilities benefit society as a whole.

You can check 5G coverage on our coverage map.

Question 6

What does 5G-ready mean?

Accepted Answer

This means your plan will connect to the 5G network on a 5G-enabled device wherever 5G coverage is available.

Question 7

What's the difference between 4G, 5G, and Wi-Fi?

Accepted Answer

Mobility and mobility requirements – what sets them apart:

Cellular networks – 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G are built for stable connectivity on the move. There's a global standard and dedicated spectrum for each operator to manage radio communication. The logic for handling each device or connection runs through the mobile network, efficiently managing devices as they move between locations. The network tells each device which base station to connect to as it moves.

Wi-Fi – A good, cost-effective option when mobility is limited. It provides excellent local connectivity and works well for stationary connections within range of a single access point. However, Wi-Fi operates on shared, unlicensed spectrum, which means it can be disrupted by nearby networks. It also lacks the handover logic needed for smooth transitions between access points. This creates brief interruptions when switching access points – for example, during a Teams call when moving between rooms in an office or switching from Wi-Fi to the mobile network.

Question 8

What does 5G mean for your health?

Accepted Answer

5G equipment and infrastructure are subject to the same requirements that apply to earlier standards like 3G and 4G. The exposure limits set by Sweden's radiation safety authority, Strålsäkerhetsmyndigheten, also apply to the new 5G frequencies. The World Health Organization (WHO), Strålsäkerhetsmyndigheten (SSM), and the Swedish Public Health Agency all agree that there are no known health effects from radio waves as long as these limits are observed.

The Swedish Public Health Agency states on its website that "based on current knowledge of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, researchers do not see that 5G and the specific frequencies used would pose a health risk."

At Telia, we support and closely follow the work and recommendations of these authorities.

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