ICE AND TELIA BUILD NEW MOBILE NETWORK

Ice, through Lyse, and Telia are entering into a collaboration where they will establish a joint company to build and operate a shared radio network with common base stations, modern technology, and shared frequency resources. The collaboration only includes the wireless infrastructure, while both parties retain their own independent core networks and continue to compete in the market. The goal is better and more robust mobile coverage across the country, especially in rural areas, as well as enhanced preparedness through a more comprehensive and reliable network. The new company is expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2026.

– With a joint national mobile network, Norway has the opportunity to ensure real and sustainable competition in the mobile market, significantly improve coverage, and strengthen preparedness, says Kristin Dahle Larsen, executive director of Lyse's telecom operations, in a press release.

Common collaboration

In spring 2022, Ice became part of the Norwegian energy and telecom group Lyse. Since spring 2024, Ice and Altibox have been united in a joint organisation, in the company Lyse Tele AS.

– A large number of new base stations with modern technology will be built in the coming years, which will provide better mobile coverage across the country – especially in rural areas, says Larsen in the press release.

It is noted that network sharing in most EU countries is a common way for mobile operators to collaborate for a more cost-effective mobile network development.

– This makes it possible to build coverage even where it has not previously been commercially viable, the press release states.

50/50 Lyse and Telia

– Together, we will contribute to local value creation by strengthening critical digital infrastructure in areas that today have greater disparities in mobile coverage among operators. This provides local communities with better conditions for business development, settlement, and access to public services, says Bjørn Ivar Moen, CEO of Telia Norway, in the press release.

As part of the network sharing, a jointly controlled company will be established, owned 50/50 by Lyse and Telia. This company will own base stations and radio equipment and manage frequency resources, and will eventually consist of employees from both companies, it states.

– Already in 2027, we will have created a more efficient coverage and infrastructure competition across the country, says Moen.

It is noted that network sharing in most EU countries is a common way for mobile operators to collaborate for a more cost-effective mobile network development.

– This makes it possible to build coverage even where it has not previously been commercially viable, the press release states.

50/50 Lyse and Telia

– Together, we will contribute to local value creation by strengthening critical digital infrastructure in areas that today have greater differences in mobile coverage among operators. This provides local communities with better conditions for business development, settlement, and access to public services, says the managing director of Telia Norway, Bjørn Ivar Moen, in the press release.

As part of the network sharing, a jointly controlled company will be established, owned 50/50 by Lyse and Telia. This company will own base stations and radio equipment and manage frequency resources, and will eventually consist of employees from both companies, it states.

– Already in 2027, we will have created a more efficient coverage and infrastructure competition across the country, says Moen.