Tele2, Telenor to build Swedish LTE network

Nordic operators Tele2 and Telenor said Tuesday they are joining forces to build a 4G LTE-based mobile network in Sweden.

The partnership will see the establishment of a joint venture company for network construction and sharing of spectrum.

Infrastructure roll out will start later this year with the companies intent on launching mobile internet services towards the end of 2010.

Tele2 said that the deal would lead to improved coverage for voice calls across the country and a network for mobile internet with speeds that will be 10-15 times faster than those available 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, which also outlines sharing of spectrum in the 900MHz and 2600MHz frequency bands.

By 2013, the two operators expect 99 per cent of the Swedish population to have access to mobile internet at speeds of up to 80Mbps in rural areas and up to 150 Mbps in urban areas.