PTS plans to award spectrum in the 900 MHz, 2.1 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands
The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) has officially launched a spectrum auction to award frequencies in the 900 MHz, 2.1 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands.
The auction, which started on September 19, is expected to last up to ten working days, PTS said.
The regulator also said it will not inform about approved bidders before the auction has concluded.
“The assignment aims at an efficient and secure use of frequencies that contributes to the continued digitalization of Sweden,” the regulator said.
“PTS shall assign national block licenses in the 900 MHz, 2.1 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands. The licenses shall be assigned well in advance before the current licenses expire. The purpose of the assignment is to enable continued digitalization and technology development, to contribute to the mobility objective of the Government´s broadband strategy by deploying new masts along roads and railways and in other areas,” PTS added.
PTS noted that the demand for available frequency range in the 900 MHz, 2.1 GHz and 2.6 GHz frequency bands exceeds the supply. The regulator said that it decided to limit the number of licenses to guarantee effective use of the frequency range.
“As regards the size of the frequency blocks, it has been assessed that the frequency blocks shall comprise 2×5 MHz for FDD use and 1×10 MHz for TDD use in the relevant frequency bands. For the license in the 900 MHz band to which obligations on coverage and deployment shall be combined, the assessment is that this block should comprise 2×10 MHz. One or more frequency blocks of the frequency bands 2.1 GHz and 2,6 GHz may be combined with obligations on coverage and deployment,” PTS previously said.
The regulator had previously noted that the number of licenses is limited to a maximum of six licenses in the 900 MHz band, a maximum of 12 licenses in the 2.1 GHz band and a maximum of 18 licenses in the 2.6 GHz band. A license can consist of more than one frequency block, PTS said.
In January 2021, PTS had completed a 5G spectrum auction through which it awarded frequencies to the country’s main operators.
At that time, PTS noted all 320 megahertz at 3.5 GHz was assigned, with Telia securing 120 megahertz for SEK760.2 million ($68.7 million); Net4Mobility (a joint initiative by Tele2 and Telenor’s local units) 100 megahertz for SEK665.5 million; and Hi3G 100 megahertz for SEK491.2 million.
Meanwhile, Teracom Group took all 80 megahertz on offer in the 2.3GHz band for a total of SEK400 million.
The licenses for the 3.5 GHz band are valid for 25 years.
Telia, Tele2, Telenor and Tre are the main mobile operators in Sweden.
