Press release
Tele2 Group
Apr 14 2009, 10:00 AM CET
Tele2 and Telenor to build joint 4G network in Sweden
(Stockholm, Sweden - April 14, 2009) Tele2 Sweden and Telenor Sweden today announced an agreement to build a joint 4G network in Sweden. The agreement includes the formation of a joint venture for network construction and sharing of spectrum for mobile communication. The roll-out of what will be Sweden's most extensive 4G network will start this year with the intent of launching high-speed mobile internet services based on LTE-technology in the end of 2010, while at the same time improving voice coverage (GSM) for all customers.
- 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 superior conditions for a nation-wide 4G network in Sweden.
- This is where the race to 4G begins. By building a joint network and sharing our spectrum we create a whole new playing field on the Swedish market, placing ourselves in pool position to provide high-speed mobile broadband with the best coverage and quality. Sharing this investment ensures cost-efficiency and enables a solid market position in the long run for Telenor in Sweden, said Lars-Åke Norling, CEO Telenor Sweden.
- This is where the race to 4G begins. By building a joint network and sharing our spectrum we create a whole new playing field on the Swedish market, placing ourselves in pool position to provide high-speed mobile broadband with the best coverage and quality. Sharing this investment ensures cost-efficiency and enables a solid market position in the long run for Telenor in Sweden, said Lars-Åke Norling, CEO Telenor 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.
- 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.
For further information, please contact:
Niclas Palmstierna, CEO Tele2 Sweden, +468-5626 4000
Lars-Åke Norling, CEO Telenor Sweden, +468-4100 7555
Pernilla Oldmark, Information Director, Tele2, +46704-26 45 45
Annica Elmehagen, Information Director, Telenor Sweden, +46734-25 26 06
About Tele2
Tele2 is one of Europe's leading alternative telecom operators. Tele2's mission is to provide price- leading and easy- to-use communication services. Tele2 always strives to offer the market's best prices. We have 24 million customers in 11 countries. Tele2 offers mobile services, fixed broadband and telephony, data network services, cable TV, and content services. Ever since Jan Stenbeck founded the company in 1993, it has been a tough challenger to the former government monopolies and other established providers. Tele2 has been listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange since 1996. In 2008, we had net sales of SEK 39.5 billion and reported an operating profit (EBITDA) of SEK 8.2 billion. For more information, visit www.tele2.com.
About Telenor
Telenor Sweden is a full service supplier of mobile, fixed and broadband communication to private consumers and corporations. The group, which includes Bredbandsbolaget and Glocalnet, has some 1.9 million mobile customers and employs 2 400 people throughout Sweden.
Telenor is an international provider of high quality mobile communications services to customers in 13 markets across Asia and Europe. Telenor is also a leading provider of fixed-line and media services to the Scandinavian countries. The Telenor Group is headquartered at Fornebu in Norway. Telenor shares are listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (TEL).