TeliaSonera subsidiary Moldcell has acquired licenses for new 800MHz and 1,800MHz frequency bands in Moldova.
The operator acquired a 15-year agreement for the spectrum at a cost of €25.5 million.
As a result of the acquisition, the Scandinavia-based company said it plans to abandon its previously used 2,100MHz and 2,600MHz frequencies, but will retain the use of its frequencies in the 900MHz band.
Moldcell is a leading operator in Moldova, providing mobile services including a 4G LTE network to more than one million subscribers.
Erik Hallberg, TeliSonera Executive VP and Head of Eurasia, said: “This investment is a sign of our commitment to continue providing the people in Moldova with high quality services and access to the best mobile coverage, latest technologies and innovative solutions. We have high ambition to further improve our position in the Moldovan market.”
The frequency band, which aids in-building coverage, has become a key battleground for operators for 4G LTE roll outs.
In July, the European Commission warned that delays in freeing up spectrum on the 800MHz band was slowing down the 4G LTE market in Europe, calling it “the main obstacle to 4G development.”
It also criticised authorities in several European markets for causing difficulties for operators when trying to access new frequencies.
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