Telia applies for 3G license in Sweden, will offer UMTS-based services already in 2001
Telia applies for 3G license in Sweden, will offer UMTS-based services already in 2001 Telia submitted its application today for a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) operating license in Sweden to the Swedish National Post and Telecommunications Agency. The development of UMTS-based services is an important part of Telia's strategy as the leading mobile operator in the Nordic region. Telia will provide services based on UMTS technology already in 2001. Telia's application is divided into three main areas concerning network coverage, the projected expansion rate of the network and planned new services. Telia expects to invest a total of SEK 7-11 billion in UMTS-based services over a ten-year period. Telia is prepared to offer new 3G services already in 2001. At the end of 2002, most of Sweden will have UMTS coverage, and by the end of 2003, UMTS coverage will on the same level as Telia's GSM network today. "In our opinion, we have filed a very strong application. Telia is future- proofing the rapid development of new services for our three million customers and is also helping Sweden to maintain its position as a world leader in IT," commented Kenneth Karlberg, Senior Vice President of Telia AB and President of Telia Mobile AB. "We can promise that the network will be expanded very rapidly. Our offering covers the entire country, meaning that a large percentage of Sweden's population will be able to use the next generation of mobile communications in a little more than two years. We will also start to launch brand-new services at that time," Kenneth Karlberg continued. UMTS-based services will be expanded quickly and cost effectively, since Telia will utilize its existing infrastructure for GSM telephony. Telia will also pay close attention to environmental concerns when expanding the network. "We are already developing new services today that we will be able to implement with the new technology. The concepts of mobile telephony and personal mobility will be given a completely new meaning. The services launched by us will be based on our customers' everyday situation and help make life a little easier," stated Kenneth Karlberg. Telia is the market leader in mobile communications in the Nordic region and the only operator that can offer mobile services in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland. Including Telia's stake in associated companies and NetCom ASA (Norway), Telia had approximately 4.3 million mobile customers at mid-year 2000. Telia has been awarded a UMTS license in Finland and has applied for a 3G license in Norway through its subsidiary NetCom. For further information journalists can contact: Carina E. Axelsson, Communications Manager, Telia Mobile AB, phone +46 70 676 84 84. Cecilia Giertta, Manager, Telia's Press Office, phone +46 8 713 58 30. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by BIT http://www.bit.se The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/09/01/20000901BIT00520/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/09/01/20000901BIT00520/bit0002.pdf