Hi3G Access Sweden (3) has implemented a major upgrade of its 3G network coverage including the expansion of W-CDMA/HSPA services using the 900MHz band, which it claims is the first commercial usage of the former GSM-only band for ‘3G [handsets] and mobile broadband’ in the country. 3’s 900MHz 3G network sections provide mobile data speeds of up to 16Mbps, the Hutchison Whampoa subsidiary said in a press release, compared to its newly-upgraded 2100MHz W-CDMA/HSPA/HSPA+ infrastructure offering speeds of 16Mbps-32Mbps, but with the advantage that UMTS-900 technology allows each base station to cover significantly wider areas (up to four times the coverage according to 3) as well as providing superior indoor coverage.
As of 25 May 2011, 3 reported that it has 3G 900MHz coverage of greater Stockholm (including Sodertalje, Stockholm archipelago and Roslagen), Malmo, Lund, greater Gothenburg (including Kungsbacka), Bohuslan in Dalsland, Gotland and Oland, and along the E12 road in the north. It is continuing to build out UMTS-900 coverage, mainly in Malardalen initially, before expanding across the rest of the country. 3 says that all its modems and mobile phones sold over the last two years can use the 900MHz band with the notable exception of the iPhone 3GS.