Telia Sweden secures spectrum for network expansion

The Swedish Post and Telecom Authority (PTS) has announced the results of the auction for the three major mobile frequency bands – 900 MHz, 2.1 GHz and 2.6 GHz.

Telia Sweden secured 2x15 MHz in the 900 MHz band, 2x20 MHz in the 2.1 GHz band and 2x30 MHz in the 2.6 GHz band. The licenses for the acquired spectrum are valid for 23 and 25 years respectively and are important for the continued digitization of Sweden.

To date, the 900 MHz, 2.1 GHz and 2.6 GHz bands have been used for 2G, 3G and 4G, respectively, carrying a large share of the traffic in Sweden’s mobile networks. The spectrum Telia has now secured in these frequency bands will be used to improve the coverage and capacity of Telia’s 4G and 5G networks, including in rural areas with insufficient coverage and along high-traffic railway lines connecting Gävle, Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö.

Anders Olsson, CEO of Telia Sweden, says: We are very satisfied with the outcome of the auction. Already today, more than 75% of Sweden’s population has access to our 5G network. The outcome of the auction means that we significantly strengthen our spectrum position and expand our network leadership in the Swedish market through better coverage, higher capacity and, ultimately, better digital experiences in Telia’s network.”

The licenses for the 900 MHz band are valid from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2048, while the 2.1 GHz and 2.6 GHz band licenses are valid from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2050. In accordance with the payment terms, Telia will pay 50% (ca. SEK 780 million) of the price for its new frequency blocks within 30 days and the remaining 50% by the end of 2025.

Telia launched Sweden’s first large public 5G network in Stockholm in 2020 and the pace of expansion has been rapid. In February this year, the NorthStar program was launched, fostering collaboration with various industries and sectors to ensure that Sweden’s leading industrial companies have the ability to explore the potential of the latest 5G technology.