Tele2 Croatia Awarded Additional GSM Spectrum

Tele2 has announed that its subsidiary, Tele2 Croatia has been awarded a 900 MHz EGSM frequency. The frequency fee, which will be recorded in Croatian Kuna, is approximately SEK 3.2 million (US$487,000) on an annual basis. The new frequency spectrum was available to Tele2 Croatia as of 17 December 2007.

Johnny Svedberg, Market Area Director Baltic, Russia & Croatia, comments; "The new 900 MHz EGSM frequency in Croatia will allow us to enhance network coverage, reduce capital expenditure as well as improve our price position in the market. Together with the new roaming agreement, effective from 1 June 2008, the 900 MHz frequency will enable Tele2 to significantly improve the operational performance of its Croatian business."

EGSM is an extension to the GSM900 spectrum. EGSM spectrum is 880-890 MHz paired with 925-935 MHz, which is just below the original GSM 900 band. The additional 10Mhz provides an additional 50 channels.

Tele2 Croatia is the country's smallest operator, with just under 10% of the market. According to figures from the Mobile World database, the company ended September with just under 2.1 million subscribers. Market leader is T-Mobile with 47% then followed by VIPnet with 43%.

Posted to the site on 20th December 2007