A new 3G network operator has launched in Norway via a 50/50 joint venture between Tele2 and Network Norway. The HSPA service from Mobile Norway is touting itself as the country’s “third mobile broadband network” and has tapped Ericsson to build the network. Specific details of the launch – such as timescales – have not yet been revealed, but a statement from Ericsson says “the new operator Mobile Norway aims to provide 75 percent of the population with one of the world’s most effective and modern 3G networks.” Mobile Norway has previously offered GSM services in the greater Oslo area, as well as the cities of Stavanger and Trondheim.

Mobile Norway will be competing with HSPA operators NetCom and Telenor. “Everything is ready for an extensive roll-out of the third mobile network with nationwide coverage which will improve competition and extend the consumer’s choice,” commented Haakon Dyrnes, Tele2’s CEO. The deal will also offer some relief to Ericsson, which has lost two high-profile Nordic deals recently to Chinese rival Huawei, at Telenor Norway and Net4Mobility. Ericsson’s statement today is keen to play up the apparent significance of this win, declaring it “one of the largest contracts in the Nordics” and a sole supplier deal that is helping it gain market share in the region. “It has been a tough selection process since the choice of system and equipment partner is crucial to meet the expectations we have for this network,” said Arild Hustad, CEO, Network Norway. “For this reason, Ericsson was the clear partner of choice, since they met all of our terms of quality, functionality and implementation capability.”