The answer is as old as the northern landscape itself. In Norway, for example, a country with almost 22,000 kilometres of rugged coastline and a mountainous interior, early settlers were forced to live in small valleys or inlets in relative isolation from each other making communications between settlements difficult. To thrive in such an environment, these small communities were forced to cooperate and communicate with each other using whatever means necessary. Berit Svendsen, chief technology officer at Telenor, believes the Nordic region s unique environment has played a major role in the area s history of communications expertise. Difficult topography, harsh weather and a maritime tradition have all been contributing factors, she says.
Necessity breeds innovation.
For centuries Scandinavians relied on the skill of sailors and the endurance of foot messengers when communicating over long distances. Scandinavians were quick to recognise the technology s potential. Telenor was founded in 1855 as the Norwegian Telegraph Company, two years after Sweden established its first telegraph company. Afew years later, Ericsson was born when its founder, Lars Magnus Ericsson, opened a repair shop for telegraph equipment. According to Terje Ellefsen, curator of the Norwegian Telecom Museum, the telegraph found eager converts in the shipping industry.