Telia disappointed after Sweden cancels 700-MHz sale
Telia this week described Sweden's decision to cancel its upcoming 700-MHz auction as a step back for the digitalisation of the country.
"To meet the huge increase in demand it is essential to have access to more spectrum. Without, Sweden risks to get a negative trend with lower speeds in mobile networks, especially in rural areas where access to appropriate frequencies is limited," said Hélène Barnekow, EVP and head of Sweden at Telia, in a statement on Tuesday.
Sweden decided in 2014 to free up the frequencies – which were being used by TV broadcasters – for other uses; it aimed to complete the process by 1 April 2017. The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) planned to auction the spectrum to mobile operators in December.
However, the government on Monday announced that it wants to use some of that 700-MHz spectrum for a public safety and defence network.