The application by five Swedish mobile operators to phase in new technology and services into the entire 900MHz spectrum has been granted by the Swedish Post and Telecom Agency (PTS). This move will enable Hi3G--Sweden's only 3G operator--to enter this frequency band for the first time using UMTS technology.
The existing users of this spectrum, TeliaSonera, Swefour, Tele2 and Telenor, will each have their applications to continue using the 900MHz spectrum for GSM approved by the PTS, with the added extension of providing mobile broadband services.
The Swedish telecoms regulator approved the joint application, made late last year, with a supplementary provision concerning coverage requirements in an effort to safeguard the current level of mobile network access. Marianne Treschow, director-general of the PTS, said the decision ensured continued high coverage for consumers in the mobile telephony market, "and may ultimately also mean that a larger proportion of the Swedish population can gain access to wireless broadband."
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