Operators in Sweden detailed plans for widespread 5G rollouts, after auctions of suitable spectrum were closed following a single day of bidding. The auction will get SEK2.3 billion ($275.5 million) for Sweden.
The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) noted all 320MHz at 3.5GHz was assigned, with Telia securing 120MHz for SEK760.2 million; Net4Mobility (a joint initiative by Tele2 and Telenor’s local units) 100MHz for SEK665.5 million; and Hi3G 100MHz for SEK491.2 million. Teracom Group took all 80MHz on offer in the 2.3GHz band for SEK400 million. The closed after four rounds of bidding.
Tele2 and Telenor said in a joint statement that the combination of 3.5GHz with existing 700MHz stock would enable Net4Mobility to expand its 5G network nationwide and conduct “a significant upgrade“ of its 4G network. Kaaren Hilsen, CEO of Telenor Sweden, said that their ambition is to bring 5G to 99 percent of consumers within three years.
Ericsson and Nokia were selected as equipment vendors for the expansion project, which Tele2 CTIO Yogesh Malik said would involve adding thousands of new base stations, along with upgrades to existing sites. Telia hailed the spectrum as a critical asset that will lay the groundwork for the continued expansion of 5G across Sweden. It noted the 3.5GHz band will be especially important for providing coverage in densely populated areas and connecting factories, ports and healthcare facilities.
Nokia and SURF, the organization for IT in Dutch education and research, have successfully reached a single carrier 800Gb/s optical transmission over SURF’s existing cross-border, multi-vendor research and education network infrastructure.
Nokia and Vodafone are collaborating to test the viability of L4S technology over passive optical networks (PON).
The GSMA believes that critical reform of European laws is necessary to position the region as a technology frontrunner by 2030.
