The latest telecom news includes announcements on Telia, Ice, WOM, RETN, 5G Radio Network, and others.
Telia and Ice Target NOK400 Million Annual Savings from Norway Shared 5G Radio Network
Telia Company provided an updated timetable on October 29 for its planned shared radio access network with Norwegian operator Ice. The companies intend to operate a combined mobile RAN while maintaining separate core networks and independent commercial operations. Telia now expects joint operations to begin in early 2027, with traffic migration completed before the end of that year. Network construction and modernization will continue through 2030. The operator estimates annual cost and capital expenditure benefits of NOK300 million–NOK400 million from 2029. The shared infrastructure is expected to improve coverage along roads, railways and rural locations. Regulatory discussions are continuing, and the integration has not yet been completed.
Chile Refuses to Renew WOM’s 800 MHz Mobile Spectrum Concession
Chile’s telecommunications regulator, Subtel, has refused to renew an 800 MHz-band spectrum concession held by mobile operator WOM. The decision, reported on October 29, follows a review of the operator’s utilization of the frequencies. WOM reportedly has not served customers using the relevant spectrum since November 2, 2016. The decision highlights the importance of meeting spectrum-use obligations and maintaining active network operations under national licensing rules. The 800 MHz band is valuable for mobile operators because its propagation characteristics support wide-area coverage and indoor connectivity. The decision concerns WOM’s specific concession, not the entire national 800 MHz allocation. The regulator has not announced a replacement licensee, new auction timetable or associated spectrum valuation.
RETN Expands European Network with Eighth Sofia Point of Presence at Neterra Data Center
International network operator RETN has expanded its Bulgarian infrastructure by establishing another point of presence at Neterra’s Sofia Data Center campus. Announced on October 28 and reported on October 29, the deployment increases RETN’s Sofia footprint to eight on-net PoPs. The new location will provide additional international IP transit and connectivity options for carriers, internet service providers and enterprise customers. Neterra, which operates four data centers in Bulgaria, will also become an RETN IP transit customer. The arrangement provides access to additional European and Asian network routes, strengthening international connectivity diversity. The companies have not disclosed the installed transmission capacity, equipment investment, number of ports or contracted traffic commitments.
