Finland’s largest mobile operator Sonera is to follow domestic rivals DNA and Elisa by using the 900MHz frequency band for build out of some of its 3G network. In a statement this morning, Sonera – owned by Sweden-based TeliaSonera – said that it would roll-out its HSPA-based ‘Turbo 3G’ network to more than 100 new towns and localities during the year, bringing its total network coverage to around 350 towns and localities. Sonera said that more than 1,000 new base stations will be introduced. It added that a “significant part” of the new rollout would be based on 900MHz, which it said allows it to extend geographical network coverage more economically. Sonera’s range of terminal devices includes 900MHz-compatible mini laptops, USB modems, and several phone models.

Sonera is the third Finnish operator to use 900MHz for 3G. Last November, Finland’s third-largest operator, DNA, said it aims to cover “all major municipal population centres and residential and recreational areas” in Finland during 2009 using 900MHz. Meanwhile, second-placed Elisa became the world’s first operator to launch a commercial 3G (WCDMA) 900MHz network in November 2007. It claimed last year to be making capex and opex savings of between 50 and 70 percent by deploying 3G services in the 900MHz band rather than 2100MHz, the traditional 3G frequency band. 900MHz is deemed particularly suitable for expanding mobile broadband into less populated areas as it offers improved radio-wave signal strengths at lower frequencies, providing greater reach than 2100MHz.