Mobile World Live – Tele2 puts end to Norway speculation with TeliaSonera deal
Initial analyst reaction to the deal was negative, particularly in terms of its effect on the overall Norwegian mobile market. “This is the predictable result of a pretty miserable and failed spectrum licencing process, which has resulted in pretty dramatic consolidation,” said Bengt Nordström, CEO of Northstream. ”Norway now essentially has two strong operators, plus a very small outfit with lots of spectrum, little infrastructure and few customers.”
Nordström described it as a “good deal” for TeliaSonera, as well as Tele2 shareholders, but also warned that it’s “a timely reminder for the mobile industry that poor regulatory decisions can create uncertainty that makes a mockery of huge infrastructure investments.”
