2017 Norway - Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Digital Media - Statistics and Analyses

Norway regulator seeks reduced dependence on Telenor’s network

In common with other Scandinavian countries, Norway has a sophisticated telecom market with high broadband and mobile penetration rates and a highly developed digital media sector. Telenor is the dominant operator in all sectors, though there is increasing competition from new entrants. Telia increased its market share by acquiring the operations of Tele2 and in April 2017 it secured regulatory approval for its acquisition of the smaller mobile operator Phonero.

Norway’s mobile market is dominated by Telenor Mobil and Telia. The market is well advanced in LTE infrastructure, with both operators spearheading network development in the region. Both are also looking to close down their 3G and 2G networks (by 2020 and 2025 respectively), focussing instead of developing LTE and 5G technologies, while providing mobile voice using VoLTE. Telia offers an LTE-A service providing 300Mb/s to about 1.5 million Norwegians, while it has also achieved 1Gb/s data rates using quad-band carrier aggregation technology as a precursor to 5G. The mobile broadband sector is set to improve further following the anticipated auction of spectrum in the 700MHz and 900MHz bands later in 2017.

Norway’s broadband penetration rate is among the highest in Europe, the result of a technologically savvy populace and the efforts of providers to migrate subscribers to fast broadband services provided by fibre networks, VDSL and upgraded cable infrastructure. The leading ISPs Telenor and NextGenTel have deployed services based on G.fast technology. The regulator has also called on the government to help fund additional cable infrastructure to reduce the country’s dependence on Telenor’s networks. Additional infrastructure will help reduce access costs for consumers.

This report introduces the key elements of Norway’s telecom market, providing statistics and an overview of the regulatory environment, the fixed network operators and their services, and telecom infrastructure. It also profiles the fixed and wireless broadband markets, together with developments in related technologies such as Broadband Powerline, wireless broadband, internet via satellite and subscriber forecasts to 2022. In addition the report covers digital media developments as well as the mobile voice and data markets, providing statistics on the main operators, a review of the key regulatory issues, and a snapshot of the consumer market for key services.

Key developments:

• Regulator recommends measures to reduce dependence on Telenor’s network;
• Telenor undergoes organisational restructure; preps for sale of its 33% interest in VEON;
• Mobile services accounting for 62% of total sector revenue;
• Telenor phases out PSTN infrastructure;
• Regulator to auction 900MHz spectrum in mid-2017;
• Telenor partners with Huawei to trial 5G technologies and services later in 2017;
• Telia achieves speeds of 1Gb/s on its LTE infrastructure;
• Regulator expecting to auction 700MHz spectrum by end-2018;
• Telenor looks to VoLTE as it aims to close down its 2G and 3G networks by 2025;
• Telia acquires Phonero;
• MNOs set up m-commerce joint venture;
• 100Mb/s broadband services available to 78% of households;
• Telenor and NextGenTel pursue G.fast technology;
• Canal Digital merged with Telenor Norway;
• Report update includes the regulator’s market data to June 2016, telcos’ operating and financial data to Q1 2017, recent market developments.

Companies mentioned in this report:

Telenor, Telia (NetCom), Tele2, BaneTele, Telenor Mobil, Mobile Norway, Teletopia, ViaSat, Canal Digital, Get, NextGenTel, Telio, Lyse, NetCom, Nordisk Mobiltelefon.