The Swedish operator said it now operates nearly 400 5G sites on existing spectrum, half of which are in the capital.
The carrier launched commercial 5G services in southern Stockholm last December.
Three will active commercial 5G in Malmö and Lund on June 17, and in Helsingborg, Västerås and Uppsala on June 22.
The operator said that the new areas in Stockholm where the 5G service is available include Kungsholmen, Kista, Bagarmossen, Bromma and parts of Solna.
Existing spectrum
The network is activated in Three Sweden’s existing spectrum. The operator said that “real 5G speeds” will be offered later this year once the National Post and Telecom Agency makes more and larger 5G frequency bands available to all operators.
Haval van Drumpt, CEO of Three Sweden, stated, “We have worked very hard to upgrade 4G masts to 5G during the winter and spring, and will not turn off the pace this summer. After the real 5G frequencies become available, we will expand and give our customers 5G in top class.”
First step
“This is the first step where we use the frequency spectrum we already have access to. After the real 5G frequencies become available around the turn of the year, our customers will be able to get significantly faster speeds,” said Per Stigenberg, Technical Director at Three Sweden.
Three Scandinavia, is part of the Three Group – Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison owns 60% of the company and Swedish Investor AB, owns the remainder.
The Swedish Post and Telecom Agency (PTS) has said the auction of frequencies in the 2.3 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands is due to start on 10 November, 2020. Operators have until until 30 June to submit applications.
Swedish progress
Tele2 switched on 5G in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmo in May, and is to start offering services this month.
The regulator plans to offer up to 15 nationwide licences in the 3.5GHz band, incorporating a maximum 320MHz of frequencies, and up to 80MHz in the 2.3GHz range.