Tele2 AB, a mobile network operator (MNO) in Latvia, has secured a crucial spectrum in the Latvian 700 MHz spectrum auction.
According to a statement from the European telecommunications operator, the 5G rollout will be done on a standalone basis as the previously announced network sharing agreement with Bite did not get full regulatory approval.
"Tele2 has won 2x10 MHz in the first part of the Latvian 700 MHz spectrum auction. Combined with the previously acquired 5G spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band in Latvia, Tele2 now has everything in place to commence the rollout of nationwide 5G and improved 4G. In Estonia and Lithuania, both high and low frequency 5G auctions are expected to be conducted during 2022," it said.
Petras Masiulis, CEO Baltics at Tele2 said: "Having secured crucial spectrum in Latvia, we will start our network upgrade there. Our 5G networks will increase speeds and coverage while lowering latency for both consumers and businesses going forward, providing the next generation of infrastructure with futureproof capacity."
As a part of the 5G rollout in the Baltics, the existing 4G networks will be significantly upgraded as well, with increased speeds and capacity combined with improved coverage in each country, the release said.
Tele2 and Bite have previously partnered to investigate a shared mobile network and spectrum set up in Latvia and Lithuania. However, since the partnership only received partial regulatory approval, the two companies have decided to end the agreement.