PTS Rules out CDMA 450 for Swedish 3G

October 24, 2005 - source: BWCS

The telecoms regulator in Sweden, the Post & Telestyrelsen, has ordered 3G licence holders to continue to use the same technology as previously in their rollout of 3G networks in the country.

The PTS warned today that as the mobile operators involved in 3G in Sweden have not yet met their population coverage targets, it will order them to do so or face a fine. However, the PTS also said it will compel Hi3G, Tele 2 AB, Telia and Vodafone to continue to use the same UMTS technology in their 3G roll outs. The decision effectively scuppers the plans of two of the operators to use CDMA 450 technology for 3G signals in rural areas of Sweden.

The regulator said that it is not currently possible to use UMTS with CDMA 450 without having an adverse effect on the consumer. If these technologies are crossed, this would mean that the networks could not communicate completely with each other, the PTS said. Consumers using the different networks would consequently have restricted opportunities of using advanced mobile services.

According to the regulator, mobile phones are not yet available that are capable of functioning with networks where UMTS and CDMA 450 are crossed, which means that the consumer would need two terminals.

However, the regulator said the 3G operators have the opportunity of rolling out the 3G networks more cost efficiently as a result of the PTS reducing the requirement regarding signals from the base stations in certain areas where this can be done without having any adverse effects for the consumer.