Finland installs new 4G mobile networks
The Finnish government has allocated extra frequencies to telecom firms TeliaSonera, Elisa, and DNA for the installation of new, fourth generation (4G) mobile communications networks. The frequencies were allocated by the Ministry of Transport and Communications and are located in the 1,800 megahertz band. This means that Finland will be the first country in Europe to allow the use of 4G LTE-technology at such low spectrum.
The low frequency, fast 4G networks have a significantly wider geographical coverage and lower installation costs than the commonly used 2,600 megahertz networks. The higher frequency networks also require a larger number of base stations.
Finland will still auction 4G networks also in 2600 megahertz frequency this year. The auction will be available to four telecommunications operators, one of which would be a new service provider, external from the 3G licensed operators already in place. The schedule of Finland's new mobile network has not yet been disclosed to the public.
Sweden and Norway are the two counties which have gone furthest with the transition to 2600 megahertz 4G-networks. The 4G-frequencies were auctioned amongst the two so that Norway got 25 million Euros for the license and Sweden 200 million Euros.
Comments (5)