Tele2 Latvia and Bite Latvia has won a tender for the 700 MHz spectrum band. The 5G rollout will be done on a standalone basis as the previously announced network sharing agreement with the Bite Group did not get full regulatory approval.
Tele2 Latvia 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, Tele2 Latvia said it now has everything in place to commence the rollout of nationwide 5G. 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.
Tele2 and Bite previously partnered to develop a shared mobile network and spectrum setup in Latvia and Lithuania. However, since the partnership only received partial regulatory approval, the two companies have decided to end the agreement.
Tele2 Latvia will get the bands 703-713 MHz and 758-768 MHz for a period lasting from 01 February 2022 until 31 January 2042, for a sum of EUR 2.42 million.
Bite Latvia has won the 723-733 MHz and 778-788 MHz bands in the auction. The company said it plans to invest more than EUR 70 million in its 5G network, and hundreds of 5G base stations will be constructed in Riga and other major Latvian cities. The operator will also use the new bands for LTE services.
The company Unistars, a subsidiary of Bite Latvia, holds licences for five blocks in the 26 GHz spectrum band as well.
