TeliaSonera’s Omnitel acquired two licenses in the 800 MHz spectrum to develop 4G network in Lithuania

TeliaSonera has acquired two licenses in the 800 MHz spectrum to develop the 4G network, in an auction held by Lithuanian Communications Regulatory Authority.

Stockholm, Sweden, 28-10-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — The 800 MHz frequencies will enable a roll-out of 4G services in Lithuanian rural areas. First step will be taken in 2014, when TeliaSonera will cover half of the population in Lithuania with 4G. In Lithuania TeliaSonera operates under the brand Omnitel.

“Due to the rapid growth of mobile data consumption, network quality will be crucial. Thanks to the new licenses we will further develop Omnitel 4G network and expand it to rural areas to ensure that Omnitel customers get the best experience when using the fastest mobile internet”, says Dan Strömberg, President of Omnitel.

Omnitel was the first in Lithuania to commercially offer 4G services in April 2011 in the 1800 MHz spectrum. Today it is available to residents of Vilnius and Kaunas – both cities fully covered by 4G network. It is also available in Klaipėda, Šiauliai and Panevėžys cities and Palanga and Nida resorts.

TeliaSonera was the first operator in the world to commercially launch 4G in 2009. Today TeliaSonera offers 4G services in ten countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Spain, Azerbaijan and Moldova. TeliaSonera has also made 4G live connections in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

In this auction Omnitel acquired 801–806 and 842–847 MHz, and 806–811 and 847–852 MHz frequencies in the 800 MHz band. The prize for licenses is 5.1 million litas (LTL).