STOCKHOLD, Sweden-A handful of wireless operators lodged a joint application with Sweden’s National Post and Telecom Agency that calls for altered license terms for third-generation network construction that would allow for lower signal strength and a resulting reduction in the number of 3G-specific towers as well as an amended timetable for deployment that originally called for networks to cover at least 8.86 million people by the end of last year.
The carrier consortium, which includes TeliaSonera, Tele2, 3, and Vodafone, noted that testing and experience has shown that lower pilot signal strengths can be reduced without restricting 3G usage and would benefit the environment with fewer 3G towers and lower deployment costs. The carriers also want to amend the deployment timetable to provide coverage to at least 7 million people by the end of this year, 8 million people by the end of 2005, 8.5 million by the end of 2006 and the original 8.86 million people by the end of 2007.
To help meet the buildout requirements, the carriers added that they would begin closer collaboration on towers in the Norrland region of the country.
“These changes are sound from a community perspective and improve the 3G market for end customers and other interested parties,” the carriers said in their joint application.
