DNA’s 5G network also in Kannonkoski – population coverage in Finland is already approaching five million

The 5G network launched in Kannonkoski in Central Finland does not yet cover the municipality’s village centre area, but this will be rectified in the second half of the year as the base station upgrades progress. At the moment, the network covers areas between Vuoskoski and Lokakylä in the northern part of Kannonkoski.

"In the autumn, we plan to renew the base station also south of the village centre, which will extend 5G coverage to the village area. Early next year, Kannonkoski will also see base station upgrades in Piispala and in the very core of the village centre, after which the municipality's 5G coverage can be considered quite comprehensive. It is great to be able to welcome the residents of Kannonkoski and the municipality’s numerous summer cottage visitors to enjoy DNA’s 5G services. During the first half of the year, we have strengthened our 5G network in other parts of Central Finland as well, and we plan to continue this work during the rest of the year. In the eastern part of the region, construction work is carried out by the Finnish Shared Network,” says Jarkko Laari, VP, Radio Networks at DNA.

The Finnish Shared Network is a joint network company established by DNA and Telia in 2014 to plan, implement and maintain a mobile communication network in Northern and Eastern Finland. The Shared Network is currently building 5G connections in the Mäntyharju, Mikkeli and Rovaniemi regions. This work is expected to be completed between June and July.

The 4G network is also improving – check the municipality-specific status from the coverage map

DNA has been building a 5G network that can operate mainly either in the lower 700-megahertz or higher 3.5-gigahertz frequency bands around Finland. Lower frequencies offer a fast connection that is more than sufficient for normal Internet use and allow the network to cover a large area with good indoor coverage. The reach of this kind of a 5G network is typically several kilometres from the base station, depending on the terrain. Higher frequencies, on the other hand, offer gigabit-class connection speeds with minimal delay over a smaller coverage area. Lower frequencies are typically used in rural areas and less densely populated urban areas, whereas higher frequencies are used in more densely populated urban areas.

The construction of the 5G network also has the effect of updating the entire mobile network, as it requires old base stations to be replaced with new ones. This means faster 4G speeds and an improved user experience in the areas where the network is being modernised. In many cases, 5G also offers an excellent alternative to fixed-network broadband at home, so the completion of the network boosts the area’s competitiveness and expands consumers’ options for Internet services. A suitable device and subscription are needed to use 5G services.

Check the exact state of the mobile network in your area on DNA’s coverage map at www.dna.fi/5G. The map shows the theoretical maximum speed and frequency bands of the 4G or 5G network in the selected location. More than one frequency may be used in the same area, and your mobile device will usually select the best option automatically. You can also check the map to see current network improvement projects. The map is updated at a slight delay, so the latest updates may not yet be visible.

Further information for the media:

Jarkko Laari, VP, Radio Networks, DNA Plc, tel. +358 (0)44 044 4949, jarkko.laari@dna.fi

DNA Corporate Communications, tel. +358 (0)44 044 8000, communications@dna.fi

DNA’s 5G coverage map: https://www.dna.fi/5G