STOCKHOLM-Only four parties submitted applications and down payments, due Dec. 11, indicating interest in operating Global System for Mobile communications digital wireless phone service at the 2 GHz frequency in Sweden.
The participating parties, including the three current GSM cellular operators, each submitted $15,000 to Sweden’s Post & Telestyrelsen, the national telecom agency, seeking a nationwide license to operate one of several personal communications networks. Between 15 and 20 parties previously expressed interest in PCN.
The entrants are Tele8 of Sweden and existing cellular operators, Comviq, Europolitan and Telia Mobitel. Comviq is owned by Stockholm-based Kinnevik; AirTouch Communications Inc. is the 51 percent owner in Europolitan, while Vodafone plc holds 12 percent. Telia Mobitel is owned by the government, but operates as a private company.
Anne Marie Engvall, who works in the licensing department of PTS, said the agency also received applications from 11 parties interested in providing PCN on a regional basis. However, if all the applicants for nationwide PCN are licensed, there will be no regional winners. If only three nationwide licenses are issued, PTS likely would license enough regional players to equate another nationwide network.
Regional applicants are AB Hauger & Hauger, Tele 1 Europe, France Telecom Nordic, Ifi Consulting AB, OnSite Cellular Systems, Goteborgs Stads Kommunikationsradio, Europolitan, Telenordia, Dotcom, Oresund Telebridge and Tele2.
