UMTS licensees fail to meet terms of concessions

Hi3G, Svenska UMTS-nät, Vodafone and Orange have failed to fulfil the rollout obligations set down in their 3G licence awards, according to the industry watchdog, the Post and Telecom Agency (PTS). The cellcos were required to provide national coverage by the end of 2003, but have only completed 65%-75% of their obligation. The PTS has set a new deadline of 1 December 2004 and is warning that it may impose measures, such as financial penalties, on companies that fail to meet the new target.