New licence for third generation mobile communications system

The Ministry of Transport and Communications now announces a vacant spectrum licence to operate a third generation public mobile communications system (3G).

- I am pleased to facilitate for establishing a new mobile network and better infrastructure. More mobile operators can provide better and lower priced mobile services and possible increased coverage throughout the country, says the Norwegian Minister of Transport and Communication Liv Signe Navarsete.

It is six years ago the first tender for the licence was announced. Today it is only two mobile operators which offer 3G-services in Norway, Telenor and NetCom. Hi3G Access Norway AS was assigned a 3G-licence in 2003, and is required to roll-out its network to the minimum coverage according to the licence within 19 September 2009. The fourth 3G-licence has been vacant since 2002.

The following principles will apply for the interested parties that wish to compete for operating the 3G-licence:

• 30 % coverage based on the total population of Norway within 6 years after the frequency licence has been awarded
• The vacant licence will be awarded in accordance with the “auction-principle”
• It will not be set a minimum fee to participate in the auction
• It will be decided minimum requirements regarding the competence and capital base of the company interested in participating in the auction.

All interested parties that wishes to compete for the vacant frequencies must send their application to the Ministry of Transport and Communications within 22.08.06.

Assignment of a spectrum license of 3G mobile system in Norway (pdf 23 kB)

Guarantee

Draft frequency license