The conclusion today of an agreement between Vodafone Sweden, Orange Sweden, Hi3G and Svenska Kommunförbundet (the Swedish Association of Local Authorities) signals another important step in the expansion of Sweden‘s 3G networks. The general agreement was drawn up by Svenska Kommunförbundet’s civil law section in consultation with the operators mentioned above. The agreement also covers 3GIS - a joint venture enterprise between Vodafone Sweden, Orange Sweden and Hi3G - which is building large parts of the infrastructure on the behalf of these companies.

“We are delighted with the outcome, which benefits, facilitates and simplifies the expansion of the 3G networks in Sweden,” say the parties’ representatives in a joint statement. “We hope that the agreement will facilitate local negotiations regarding leasing in municipalities.”

The general agreement, which regulates the allocation of responsibility between municipal land/property owners and mobile operators, establishes the responsibility of operators for ensuring that the general public is not exposed to electromagnetic fields that exceed applicable threshold limits. Responsibility regarding care and maintenance is also covered, as is the key issue of co-operation between mobile operators in order to enable the shared use of masts and facilities. Under the provisions of the agreement, the leaseholders, i.e. the operators, undertake to lease out, as far as technically possible, space in erected masts to other interested parties.