TeliaSonera and DNA begin cooperation in network sharing in Finland

Sonera, TeliaSonera's Finnish operation, and the local Finnish operator DNA have entered into an agreement to share mobile networks in sparsely populated northern and eastern Finland. The joint venture enables a more efficient expansion and operation of radio networks in an area that makes up 50 percent of Finland's total area but where only about 15 percent of the country's population lives. This improves the customer experience in terms of coverage, speed and quality.

TeliaSonera is required to reach 99% population coverage for the 4G network in Finland before the end of 2018, and with this network sharing agreement, the target will be reached more efficiently.

- The expansion in eastern and northern Finland is an important part of our ambition to improve the customer experience and efficiency in all our networks. We have positive experiences with network sharing in other markets. Thanks to the cooperation with DNA, we can more quickly fulfill our promise to provide the best network in Finland. We can also speed up the rollout of super-fast mobile internet throughout Finland, says Robert Andersson, head of TeliaSonera's Europe region.

The joint venture "Suomen Yhteisverkko Oy" will build and operate a radio access network common to the parties with 2G, 3G and 4G technology. The company will own the radio network equipment and rent masts and base stations from the operators or third parties. The joint venture is expected to start operations in early 2015.

The joint network means an increased number of base stations, better coverage and greater capacity in the sparsely populated areas of eastern and northern Finland. The operators will also combine their 800 MHz frequency blocks to offer customers in these areas faster 4G connectivity and greater capacity. The network sharing has no impact on services for end customers. Sonera and DNA will each continue to offer customers competing services even in the areas where the network is shared.

The joint venture will be managed jointly, according to the consensus principle. Sonera owns 51 percent of the company and DNA 49 percent. Antti Jokinen, former network manager at DNA, has been appointed CEO of the joint venture.