Tele2 Estonia launched commercial 5G services in parts of the capital city Tallinn despite ongoing 5G auctions in the country.
In a translated statement, Tele2 said customers can connect to a 5G signal in certain locations namely Noblessner, Telliskivi, Viru and Kiyza. Coverage will expand to the entire city centre of Tallinn this summer and the district of Mustamae by autumn. The network uses spectrum in the 2,300MHz band.
The operator noted auctions are needed but initial reactions from customers will provide vital data on how to develop 5G technology for customer experience. It will continue to participate in the auction for a share of airwaves in the 3,500MHz band.
Tele2 gained spectrum from its acquisitions of ST Networks and Televorgu, in 2006 and 2010 respectively, as it referred to rival complaints on its spectrum stockpile, as Estonia progresses from 4G networks.
Hot on its heels, rival Telia was revealed this week as the winner of the country’s second phase 5G 3,500MHz spectrum licence auction, with a winning bid of €8.5 million.
Elisa bagged the first licence in May with a successful bid of €7.2 million. Telia and Elisa will be ineligible to bid for the third licence, leaving Tele2 and Lithuania-based Bite to compete.
