From the second half of August, users of Apple and Samsung devices in Elisa’s network will be able to use next-generation 5G services, including making calls directly over 5G, or VoNR. This is the first time in Estonia that so-called standalone 5G becomes more widely available on devices from one of the world’s most popular smartphone brands.
Until now, the 5G network was used mainly for mobile internet, while calls still ran over the 4G network. Now, calls can operate fully over the 5G network. This enables faster connection setup, better call quality, and a more stable user experience.
“The addition of future network support to Apple and Samsung devices means that even better call quality and faster internet will now become available to a very large share of Elisa customers. Since these are the most widely used smartphone brands in Estonia, this brings next-generation 5G services into everyday use for many customers,” said Andrus Hiiepuu, CEO of Elisa Eesti.
Compared to earlier solutions, the new 5G technology delivers up to 50% lower latency, a more stable connection, and more efficient energy use, with the latter improving by up to a quarter in some cases. In addition, the new network technology enables 5G, or VoNR, calls, which provide better call quality and faster call setup than before.
Standalone 5G also creates the foundation for new digital services. Thanks to higher speed and reliability, it can be used in solutions where connection stability is especially important — from smart industrial solutions and logistics to autonomous vehicles and remotely controlled drones.
“To provide next-generation 5G services, together with Ericsson we built a completely new 5G core network that makes it possible to offer a standalone 5G solution for both data and voice services,” added Hiiepuu. “This means we can offer all customers a better service, while also creating innovative custom solutions for business clients by allocating a specific ‘slice’ of the network to a particular customer.”
To use 5G standalone and VoNR services, customers need a package and device that support the technology, the latest software, and a new SIM card. The number of compatible smartphones is gradually growing through software updates and the launch of new devices, and the addition of Apple and Samsung models marks an important stage in this development. Earlier, the new technology was already available to owners of Xiaomi, OnePlus, and other devices, as well as all 5G-enabled home internet routers sold by Elisa. In addition, the selection of Elisa mobile plans supporting 5G SA continues to grow.
Elisa’s standalone 5G network is available throughout the company’s 5G coverage area, which covers more than 97% of Estonia’s population. This makes Elisa the mobile operator with the largest 5G population coverage in Estonia. Ookla also recognised Elisa’s 5G network as the best and fastest in Estonia in the first half of 2026, and the new service now makes it possible to use Estonia’s fastest and best network on the world’s most popular phones as well.