Bluetooth Runestone in Lund, Sweden

Bluetooth was developed by a group of engineers who worked for Ericsson in Lund, Skåne, during the 1990s. The technology was officially launched in 1999 and has since become a standard for wireless communication. The name "Bluetooth" comes from the Danish king Harald Bluetooth, who was known for uniting Denmark and Norway during the 10th century. Just as the king united different tribes, Bluetooth technology aims to unite different devices.

Bluetooth uses radio waves to transmit data between devices. It works by creating a personal network connection, allowing devices to communicate without cables. The technology is energy-efficient and can be used to stream audio, transfer files, and connect to various devices.

Today, Bluetooth is an integrated part of our everyday life. From listening to music via wireless headphones to controlling smart home devices, the technology has changed how we interact with our devices. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) has also introduced new possibilities for IoT devices (Internet of Things), enabling them to communicate with minimal energy consumption.

The Rune Stone

At the entrance to one of Ericsson's former buildings up by the water tower stands an unmistakable runestone. For a brief moment, one might wonder where it comes from; is it a new find from the excavations at Brunnshög? That it is Christian is clearly evident from the image where Jesus stands with arms outstretched and a halo.

When one catches sight of Jesus holding a laptop in one hand and a mobile phone in the other, one can, however, sense the context. The text on the stone also reads in runes:,”ERIKSONMOBILE KOMUNIKATIONS AB RESTE THENSA STEN ÅT KONUGR HARALD THOM SATE NAMN ÅT TEKNOLOGI FÖR TRÅDLÖS MOBIL KOMUNIKATION”.--- in English 'ERIKSONMOBILE KOMUNIKATION AB RAISED THIS STONE TO KING HARALD THOM DEDICATED TO TECHNOLOGY FOR WIRELESS MOBILE COMMUNICATION.'

The figure of Jesus is also modeled after Harald Bluetooth's runestone in Jelling, where Harald announces that he has conquered all of Denmark and Norway and Christianized the Danes. That Harald Bluetooth has a monument in Lund may also feel appropriate, as increasing evidence suggests that it was he who founded the city.

The stone actually has another connection to Lund. It is said to be the book Red Orm, which Frans G. Bengtsson is believed to have started during his studies in Lund, that gave the inspiration to name the new technology after Harald Bluetooth.

The stone was erected in 1999 to celebrate the release of Bluetooth 1.0 that year. The stone is made as a runestone by the stonemason Raino Rydelius. The stonemason, Raino Rydelius, is said to have promised a 6,000-year guarantee on the stone. The rune stone is located outside Ericsson at Mobilvägen 12 in Lund.