MADRID – Telefonica announced on Friday that Nokia and Ericsson had been awarded a contract for its Spanish 5G radio network in the 3.5GHz and 700MHz frequency bands. Nokia and Ericsson will share frequency bands evenly until 2026, according to the mobile and broadband operator, with no modifications to either network’s geographical distribution.
The decision will allow Telefonica to focus on enhancing its standalone 5G product, according to the company.
“It’s a long-term contract,” Telefonica’s chief of operations and network Joaquin Mata said in a statement. “It’s the most appropriate scenario for Telefonica because it keeps 4G providers in place and offers us stability to roll out and develop 5G.”
“All of the carriers have proved that they are really well prepared for 5G… and we are very confident in having the greatest technological partners.”
Before the 21st of July, the 700MHz spectrum will be up for grabs in a twice-delayed auction in which Orange, Telefonica, and Vodafone have all expressed interest.
According to the contracts, the Scandinavian operators would be able to expand their current 4G services or migrate to 5G, depending on their needs.
(Clara-Laeila Laudette contributed reporting; Nathan Allen and Louise Heavens edited the piece.)/n
