Tele2 and Telenor to Jointly Build LTE Network in Sweden

Published on: 14th April 2009

Sweden's Tele2 and Telenor have this morning announced plans to jointly build an LTE based network through a new joint-venture company. The new company will be responsible for network construction and sharing of spectrum for mobile communication and plans to start offering commercial services by the end of 2010.

"We are proud that Sweden is one of the first countries in the world with 4G network for the entire population. For our customers this means improved coverage for voice calls across the country and a network for mobile internet with speeds that will be 10-15 times faster than today. With this partnership, we can ensure a cost-efficient investment and continue to develop affordable offerings while we continue to compete for the customers," said Niclas Palmstierna, CEO Tele2 Sweden.

Tele2 and Telenor will be equal partners in the joint venture. The agreement also comprises spectrum sharing in the 900MHz and 2600MHz frequency bands, creating conditions for a nation-wide LTE network in Sweden.

The launch of high-speed mobile internet services based on LTE-technology is expected in the end of 2010, or when mobile devices (modems) become available on the market.

" The shift from fixed to mobile communication has been a relatively slow process in Sweden. Access to next generation mobile networks will accelerate the usage of mobile services. By combining and thereby obtaining more leverage out of possible assets, such as frequencies, any market participant have the opportunity to improve on positions generated from using wholly owned assets only," said Katja Ruud, Research Director at Gartner.

In 2013, the operators expect 99 percent of the Swedish population to have access to mobile internet at speeds of up to 80 Mbit/s in rural areas and up to 150 Mbit/s in urban areas. The roll-out includes an extension of the GSM network by 30-50 percent, resulting in better indoor and outdoor coverage on mobile voice communication.

 

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