3G Operator, Hi3G Granted 900Mhz Spectrum in Sweden

The Swedish Post and Telecom Agency (PTS) has made the decision to approve an application from the operators TeliaSonera, Swefour, Tele2, Telenor and Hi3G for frequencies in the 900 MHz band. The present licences in the 900 MHz band will be renewed and it will be possible for the operators to phase in new technology for mobile broadband while at the same time continuing to offer GSM mobile telephony.

The entire frequency space available in the 900 MHz band will be assigned, and 3G operator, Hi3G is to be granted 900Mhz spectrum for the first time.

"This ensures continued high coverage for consumers in the mobile telephony market. Since the operators are given the opportunity to phase in new technology in the 900 MHz band, this may ultimately also mean that a larger proportion of the Swedish population can gain access to wireless broadband," says Marianne Treschow, Director-General of PTS.

In November 2008, the existing GSM operators and Hi3G submitted an application. The proposals contained in the application entail five operators being able to supply services in the 900 MHz band instead of four operators, as is currently the case. Today, PTS approved the application of these operators with a supplementary provision concerning coverage requirements to safeguard the current level of satisfactory mobile telephony coverage for consumers. A proposed decision was previously conferred with market stakeholders.

Posted to the site on 17th March 2009