Tele2, Telenor to build joint LTE network in Sweden

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Mobile operators Tele2 Sweden and Telenor Sweden plan to build a LTE network through a joint venture, Telecompaper reports. The roll-out will start this year with the intent of launching high-speed mobile internet services based on LTE technology in the end of 2010, or when compatible mobile devices come on the market.

Tele2 and Telenor will be equal partners in the joint venture, which includes network construction and spectrum sharing in the 900MHz and 2600MHz frequency bands. In 2013, the operators expect 99 percent of the Swedish population to have access to mobile internet at speeds of up to 80Mbps in rural areas and up to 150Mbps in urban areas.

The roll-out includes an extension of the GSM network by 30-50 percent, resulting in better indoor and outdoor coverage. Tele2 and Telenor already share mobile network infrastructure in Sweden. This is the second LTE network plan announced for Sweden. Telia has also awarded network equipment equipment contracts for a LTE roll-out and expects to launch services in 2010.

See AnalystWire: Swedish operators take RAN sharing into LTE