LIVE FROM ERICSSON BUSINESS INNOVATION FORUM 2014, STOCKHOLM: TeliaSonera is pursuing a strategy of enhancing its network services while at the same time looking at growth opportunities in adjacent markets, according to the Nordic operator’s chief commercial officer, Helene Barnekow (pictured).

Speaking in Stockholm, Barnekow said that while TeliaSonera’s major investment activity is in its networks, there is an effort to pursue “adjacencies”, such as the burgeoning Internet of Things (IoT) market.

With the IoT market growing 30 per cent annually in the Nordic region — compared to 15 per cent globally — it is a prime opportunity for a mobile operator based in the region.

“That’s a very significant environment to operate from. In a fast growing market, we want to grow faster,” Barnekow said.

TeliaSonera is also exploring potential opportunities in new vertical sectors such as automotive, health, TV and consumer gadgets.

“We want to expand our footprint. We will see new ecosystems and profitability,” Barnekow noted.

Customers, such as Tesla, are “central to taking us forwards”, according to the TeliaSonera executive. The electric carmaker is already using TeliaSonera’s network to provide software updates to its vehicles.

As the operator looks to develop these new adjacent services, Barnekow suggested that the main challenge will be providing services that are appropriate for the diverse markets in which TeliaSonera operates, including the Nordics, Europe and Eurasia.

Barnekow’s comments echo those of Ericsson CEO Hans Vestberg, who yesterday revealed he is on a mission to ensure the company is in a position to grow beyond its traditional infrastructure business over the next few years.