Mobile operator Hi3G Access Sweden (3) is talking to regulators about acquiring Swedish frequencies in the 2.6GHz band from US technology firm Intel.
Although 3 already owns spectrum in this band, the extra frequencies are needed to help the group launch…
Mobile operator Hi3G Access Sweden (3) is talking to regulators about acquiring Swedish frequencies in the 2.6GHz band from US technology firm Intel.
Although 3 already owns spectrum in this band, the extra frequencies are needed to help the group launch 4G services in Sweden next year, reports the Wall street Journal citing regional CEO Peder Ramel.
A spokeswoman for Intel declined to disclose details of the transaction’s value, but said regulatory approval from the Swedish Post and Telecom Agency is expected “any minute now”.
3, which is owned by Hong Kong-based conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa, acquired 2x10MHz in the band for SEK296.6m in May 2008. Intel was awarded 50MHz for SEK159.3m in the same auction.
Rival Swedish mobile operators TeliaSonera, Tele2 and Telenor each acquired 2x20MHz in the band from the spectrum auction, and have all since launched commercial LTE in Sweden.
