INFORMATION PAPER
March 2, 2010
UMTS900 Global Status
There is a very strong business case and momentum for
deploying UMTS900 (WCDMA-HSPA) systems in the
900 MHz band to help operators efficiently extend voice,
data and mobile broadband services coverage by
leveraging the advantages of lower frequencies. This
paper highlights the benefits and opportunities when
deploying UMTS900, typically as a complement to 2100
MHz 3G/UMTS systems, and reports on global network
deployments, launches, trials, regulation, and the
UMTS900 eco-system i.e. availability of user devices.
14 UMTS900 commercial networks are launched
♦ Elisa Finland launched the world’s first UMTS900 system on
8 November 2007; upgrading to HSPA+
♦ Elisa Estonia launched UMTS900, January 2008
♦ AIS, Thailand launched Asia’s 1st UMTS900 system May 08
♦ Optus, Australia launched UMTS900, May 2008
♦ Mobistar, Belgium launched UMTS900, May 2008
♦ Vodafone New Zealand launched UMTS900, July 2008
♦ Proximus, Belgium launched UMTS900, July 2008
♦ DNA, Finland launched UMTS900, October 2008
♦ Siminn, Iceland launched UMTS900, October 2008
♦ Digitel, Venezuela launched Latin America’s 1st UMTS900
system, on 2 March 2009
♦ TeliaSonera launched UMTS900 in Finland in June 2009
♦ Vodafone Australia launched UMTS900 August 31, 2009
♦ LMT launched UMTS900 in Latvia on November 10, 2009
♦ Aero2, Poland launched UMTS900-HSPA+ on Nov 16, 2009
In Europe, mobile phones operate to GSM specifications
typically in two bands: 900 MHz (880–915 MHz paired
with 925–960 MHz) and 1800 MHz (1710–1785 MHz
paired with 1805–1880 MHz). On July 27, 2009 the
Council of Ministers followed the European Parliament in
approving a proposal from the European Commission to
update European legislation (the GSM Directive) on the
use of radio spectrum needed for mobile services, thus
giving the green light for deployment of 3G technologies
such as UMTS900 in the 900 MHz band. The amended
Directive is now ratified. At the same time, the
Commission adopted a Decision, entering into force at
the same time as the amended Directive, setting out
technical measures allowing for co-existence of
2G/GSM phones and UMTS systems on GSM
frequencies in line with the Directive. National
administrations are now transposing the Directive into
law and to implement the Decision so that GSM
spectrum bands are made available for 3G.
Technical specifications for WCDMA-HSPA in the 900
MHz band (UMTS900) were completed by 3GPP in
December 2005. The 900 MHz band, denoted as Band
Class VIII, is defined as paired bands in the range 880
to 915 MHz (uplink), and 925 to 960 MHz (downlink).
UMTS900 Benefits
Providing full coverage using 2100 MHz would be too
expensive, impractical and take too long for many
mobile network operators. Radio propagation path-loss
at 900 MHz is much lower. For the same service offering
and coverage, the number of cell sites required using
900 MHz is significantly lower compared to that needed
for 2100 MHz, with reduced rollout time. Indoor
coverage is also improved with 900 MHz. UMTS900 can
complement 2100 MHz deployments to improve
coverage, reduce CAPEX and OPEX, improve Quality of
Service and enhance the user experience.
UMTS900 network operators can provide HSPA mobile
broadband services in a very cost-efficient way. GSM
operators can re-use existing network assets including
antennas and network management systems. UMTS900
delivers the same data rates as UMTS2100, with fewer
than half the number of cell sites. Operators report
increases in traffic (especially data) and revenue growth
where 3G is offered. All 3G applications can be provided
and used cost efficiently over much larger area.
258 UMTS900-HSPA devices have been launched in
the market by 49 suppliers (GSA HSPA Devices survey,
January 26, 2010). UMTS900 is becoming standard in
devices destined for Europe, the Middle East, Africa,
and Asia Pacific markets. The 900/2100MHz
combination for WCDMA-HSPA is increasingly
commonplace, and GSA recommends:
• Operators considering deploying UMTS900 should
purchase UMTS900 devices and introduce them on their
networks as soon as possible in order to build the
penetration of these devices for smooth introduction of
mobile broadband services as coverage is activated
• Manufacturers should ensure the 900 MHz band is
supported in all 3G/HSPA devices destined for European,
MEA, and APAC markets, especially in high-end devices
which many users rely on for Internet and mobile broadband
access, e.g. smartphones, and in PC modems/dongles
850 MHz band
Similar benefits and efficiencies are obtained with
WCDMA-HSPA in the 850 MHz band, as commercially
available today in the Americas, Australia, New Zealand
in parts of Asia, Europe, and elsewhere. There is a
strong established ecosystem for UMTS850-HSPA, with
736 HSPA850 user devices now launched in the market.
1

March 2, 2010
Regulatory situation
Regulatory approval is required to clear the way for
WCDMA-HSPA 900 MHz deployments in some markets
(but not all). The situation in Europe was explained
above and the path is now clear for UMTS900
widespread deployments throughout Europe. It is
necessary in some countries to re-arrange the band
allocations by agreement with network operators in
order to enable GSM & UMTS900 in 900 MHz spectrum.
UMTS900 operator case studies published by GSA
Elisa, Finland
Elisa case study www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers.php4
Press release www.gsacom.com/news/gsa_252.php4
Elisa Finland launched the world’s first UMTS900
system, and confirmed that 3G coverage with UMTS900
can save 50 - 70% of mobile network costs vs
UMTS2100, for CAPEX and OPEX. UMTS900 brought
3G and mobile broadband services more cost-effectively
to outside the cities.
Figure 1: Capex and OPEX savings using UMTS900 (source: GSA UMTS900
Operator Case Study – Elisa, Finland)
Elisa recognized indoor coverage as another key
benefit. With UMTS900, Elisa was able to re-use
existing GSM900 sites and frequencies to fill in areas
not covered by the UMTS2100 service. Once GSM site
conversion is completed and nationwide 3G coverage is
achieved, Elisa will expand into urban areas to create a
nationwide UMTS900 network.
INFORMATION PAPER
Optus, Australia
Optus case study: www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers.php4
Press release: www.gsacom.com/news/gsa_272.php4
The Optus network is the largest UMTS900 network in
the world. Optus saw the rollout of UMTS900 in
suburban and rural areas as a natural extension of its
initial 3G deployment in the more heavily populated
areas where 2100 MHz was used. UMTS900 has
brought 3G and mobile broadband services more cost-
effectively to outside the cities. More than just the need
for fewer installations, UMTS900 facilitates the addition
of a much larger data market because it provides better
indoor coverage than 2100 MHz.
Figure 2: Impact of UMTS900 (source: GSA UMTS900 Operator Case Study
– Optus, Australia)
Deployments/launches/regulatory update
Australia: Telstra launched the world’s largest
3G/HSPA network using 850 MHz (Next G™ network)
on October 10, 2006, which complements their 3G/2100
MHz network. The combined network covers over 1.9
million sq km and provides mobile broadband access to
99% of the population. Telstra significantly boosted peak
downlink data speeds to 21 Mbps with the world’s first
commercial launch of HSPA+ on February 23, 2009, and
has now implemented DC-HSPA+ 42 Mbps network
capability for commercial launch in 2010.
Vodafone has built a national HSPA mobile broadband
network. The first phase became available in May 2009
and refers to 2100 MHz coverage in metro areas. The
second phase was completed by August 31, 2009 and
relies on UMTS900 in rural and regional areas. At that
2

March 2, 2010
time the 2100 MHz system provided 3G coverage to
80% of the Australian population, with UMTS900 serving
an additional 14%, taking the combined 2100/900 MHz
population coverage to 94%. In a press release on
August 31, 2009 Vodafone stated that to access 3G
services in both regional and metropolitan areas,
customers can purchase one of 18 3G/900 MHz mobile
phones available on prepaid or contract.
Optus launched UMTS900 in May 2008. The Optus
'yes'G Network reached 96% of the population by
December 2008, using 2100 MHz and 900 MHz and
supporting 3.6 Mbps peak HSDPA. The majority of
coverage is achieved using UMTS900. More information
is available in the Optus UMTS900 operator case study.
www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers.php4
Belgium: The 3 operators operate GSM and UMTS
networks, all having 900, 1800, and 2100 MHz
spectrum. They are allowed to deploy UMTS in the 900
MHz band, for which the regulator BIPT assigned the
center frequencies of the 5 MHz blocks that can be used
by each operator.
Mobistar put the first UMTS900 site on air in May 2008.
Proximus began to offer UMTS900 to customers in July
2008.
Bulgaria: Globul has completed a UMTS900/1800 trial
in order to evaluate the benefits of deployment of UMTS
networks in lower frequencies. A key conclusion was
that any benefit is marginal (2-3 dB gain compared to
UMTS2100 system) when using the 1800 MHz band.
Estonia: On January 23, 2008 Elisa launched
UMTS900, the first such operator to do so in the Baltics.
Finland: Finland was the first country in Europe to
enable concurrent use of 900 MHz frequencies and 2nd
and 3rd generation mobile communications services. The
world’s first UMTS900 service was launched by Elisa
Finland on November 8, 2007 supporting HSDPA
16QAM and HSUPA. Refer to the GSA case study on
Elisa Finland for more information and insights.
www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers.php4
Today the whole Elisa Finland 3G network supports
16QAM and 15 codes with a peak about 10 Mbps on
downlink, and peak about 1.5 Mbps on the uplink.
DNA Finland launched commercial service on October
1, 2008. DNA covers all major municipal population
centers and residential/recreational areas using
INFORMATION PAPER
UMTS900 and is continuing to construct its 3G/2100
UMTS network.
TeliaSonera continues its accelerated turbo 3G
build−out program by introducing mobile broadband
services in 900 MHz spectrum, launching a commercial
UMTS900 service on June 1, 2009. TeliaSonera will
introduce its turbo 3G network in more than 100 new
towns and localities in 2009, adding up to 350 localities.
France: ARCEP has approved plans to allow GSM
network operators to reuse their 900 MHz bands for 3G.
ARCEP also announced that any new 3G entrant (4th
UMTS licence) would also have access to 900 MHz
once incumbent operators have returned spectrum. This
would be made available in late 2009 outside densely
populated areas, and in late 2012 for the rest of France.
SFR is investing 6 million Euros in deploying a pilot
UMTS900 network in the Auvergne area, for a trial
lasting one year.
Germany: BnetzA is consulting on changes to the
National Frequency Allocation Table including removing
technology restrictions in the 900 and 1800 MHz bands.
Ghana: The licensing regime allows UMTS900. MTN
Ghana is deploying UMTS900 in its network.
Greece: The Post and Telecoms Regulatory Authority
launched a public consultation up to September 2008 on
allowing deployment of UMTS networks in 900 MHz
and/or 1800 MHz bands. The Cosmote Group
established a UMTS900/1800 trial network which
confirmed that UMTS900 services including voice,
videocall, HSDPA/HSUPA, worked very well at a
distance up to 127 km from the Node B.
Greenland: Tele Greenland is deploying a UMTS900
network which is expected to commercially launch in
May 2010 in the capital Nuuk area.
Hong Kong: On September 2nd, CSL Limited
announced plans for UMTS900 rollout, the first instance
of spectrum re-farming in Hong Kong.
Commercial launch is anticipated for early 2010.
Iceland: On 24 May 2008, Síminn's permit for operating
a GSM system on 900 MHz was extended to allow for
the construction and running of a 3G/UMTS system.
Commercial UMTS900 service opened on October 2,
2008, supporting 7.2 Mbps HSDPA/1.4 Mbps HSUPA.
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March 2, 2010
Ireland: ComReg is undertaking a consultation on
liberalisation of the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands.
Italy: On October 2, 2008 AGCOM approved UMTS in
the 900 MHz band. Existing 900MHz allocations will be
amended to limit each operator to 10 MHz. The Ministry
for Economic Development will develop a frequency
plan for 900MHz which will qualify all operators to use at
least 5 MHz for 3G systems. At least one 5 MHz block
will be assigned in a competition to a new 3G entrant.
New Zealand: Vodafone New Zealand announced
expanded 3G coverage using UMTS900 in July 2008,
and in a press release confirmed plans to extend 3G
broadband to 97% population coverage by 2010.
Vodafone subsequently brought the schedule forward by
a year to complete rollout of 3G coverage to 97%
population coverage by 31 May 2009.
On May 29, 2009 Telecom New Zealand launched a
nationwide HSPA network (XT™ Mobile Network) using
UMTS850. Telecom is also deploying HSPA+.
Norway: The operators and the regulator have agreed a
plan for reshuffling frequencies in the 900 MHz band
with a subsequent issuing of technology neutral
licenses, which opens up the possibility for UMTS900
deployments. The reshuffling process is scheduled to be
completed between October 2009 and March 2010.
The Philippines: PLDT, through its mobile subsidiary
Smart, is deploying an HSPA network in the 850 MHz
band. Commercial launch was said to be “imminent”
according to a press release on March 3rd, 2009.
http://www.pldt.com/NR/rdonlyres/FB6D28B5-127E-4501-9027-
C41C3ECE81F0/10924/PLDTFY08_PressRelease_final.pdf
Globe Telecom applied to the regulator for additional 3G
spectrum in 2008. In March 2008, Globe asked to be
assigned spectrum in the 850 MHz band to expedite 3G
service deployment in rural areas. On May 16 2008,
Globe applied for the same frequencies for HSPA.
Poland: On November 16, 2009 the world’s first HSPA+
system (21 Mbps) using 900 MHz was launched by
Aero2. The network was built for Aero2 by Sferia S.A., a
local telecom operator providing wireless voice and data
transmission services.
By end 2009 the 900 MHz HSPA+ network will cover
40% of the population, reaching over 19 million people.
INFORMATION PAPER
Portugal: Vodafone Portugal made its first 3G voice and
data call in the 900 MHz band in December 2006 in a
trial authorized by the regulator ANACOM, who intends
to open the 900MHz band for 3G services with a more
technology-neutral approach to spectrum policy.
Romania: In February 2010 ANCOM announced its
approval for 3G deployments in 900 and 1800 MHz
spectrum following a public consultation, which will allow
operators to offer UMTS-based services in these bands.
Currently this spectrum is allocated through licenses to
three operators: Orange Romania, Vodafone Romania,
and Cosmote. The conditions under which the operators
may launch 3G in the 900 and 1800 MHz bands were
confirmed at a press conference on February 23, 2010.
Russia: Major Russian operators VimpelCom, MTS and
MegaFon are undertaking studies and field trials on
electromagnetic compatibility to determine the possibility
for UMTS network deployments in 900 and 1800 MHz
bands. Testing is due to be completed in 2010.
Saudi Arabia: The last mobile auction was sufficiently
flexible to allow the license holder to deploy UMTS900.
Singapore: In June 2007 IDA launched a consultation
for views on future use of 900 and 1800 MHz spectrum
and published its Decision in January 2008, proposing
an auction. Current 2G spectrum rights were extended
by 3 months to end 2008, and rights to use the new
spectrum would be effective from 1 January 2009. IDA
received 3 applications to participate in the auctions;
from MobileOne, SingTel Mobile, and StarHub. In
accordance with procedures, spectrum was allocated to
each of the applicants pursuant to First Initial Offers.
South Africa: The licensing regime allows UMTS900.
Cell C has announced plans to deploy a 21 Mbps
HSPA+ network in 2010 utilizing their existing spectrum
assignments in the 900 and 2100 MHz bands, therefore
becoming a UMTS900 operator.
Spain: 900 MHz spectrum is currently allocated to
Telefonica and Vodafone (12.5 MHz each) and Orange
(6 MHz). Yoigo does not have 900 MHz spectrum.
Sweden: The regulator has approved use of the 900
MHz band for 3G services. 3 Sweden is deploying the
world’s first 84 Mbps HSPA+ network (via 42 Mbps); 900
MHz is being used to boost coverage for indoor and
remote areas.
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March 2, 2010

Switzerland: ComCom confirmed on May 26, 2009 it
had renewed the GSM licences of Orange, Sunrise and
Swisscom until end 2013. Thanks to a minor reallocation
of frequencies, ComCom is now enabling all 3 licensees
to also use the 900 MHz bands for UMTS applications.
This means that all GSM licences will expire at the same
time (Swisscom, Sunrise, Orange and In&Phone), which
gives ComCom an opportunity to implement a
comprehensive reallocation of all the mobile telephony
frequencies which are free today or which will become
free in 2013 or 2016. The Federal Office of
Communications (OFCOM) has commenced
preparatory work on licensing and is currently
undertaking a public consultation. The renewed licences
feature two major innovations:
of the 900 MHz band for mobile broadband services
(including UMTS900) will be taken in the context of the
Digital Britain report, including the planned auction of 2.6
GHz and Digital Dividend (800 MHz) spectrum in 2010.
Digital Britain: www.culture.gov.uk/images/publications/digitalbritain-finalreport-jun09.pdf
Venezuela: Digitel launched UMTS900 HSPA (3.6
Mbps peak downlink) commercial service on 2 March
2009 to become the first country in Latin America to
introduce the technology.
Digitel is migrating 2G voice services to 1800 MHz
leaving the 900 MHz band purely for mobile broadband
services.

1) Technology-neutral allocation of frequencies Table 1: 900 MHz band re-farming – regulatory status © GSA
ComCom is allocating the frequencies on a technology-
Country Re-farming status
neutral basis, i.e. the licensees will in future also be
allowed to operate UMTS systems in the allocated GSM
Australia UMTS900 is allowed
spectrum. In this way, ComCom is promoting the switch
Belgium UMTS900 is allowed
to advanced mobile telephony technologies and
countering possible bottlenecks in the event of large Estonia UMTS900 is allowed
increases in mobile data traffic. Finland UMTS900 is allowed
France UMTS900 is allowed
2) Minor reallocation of frequencies Germany Under consideration
In order to increase competition, it is additionally Ghana UMTS900 is allowed
important from ComCom's viewpoint that all three Greece Under consideration
licensees have an opportunity to also deploy UMTS in Greenland UMTS900 is allowed
the 900 MHz frequency range, which is interesting in Hong Kong UMTS900 is allowed
terms of frequency technology. ComCom confirmed a Iceland UMTS900 is allowed
minor reallocation of frequencies is necessary to Indonesia UMTS900 is allowed
achieve this: Orange, which owned too few 900 MHz Ireland Under consideration
frequencies for this purpose, is receiving additional 900 Italy UMTS900 is allowed
MHz frequencies from Sunrise and Swisscom. This is Latvia UMTS900 is allowed
offset in the 1800 MHz frequency range, where Orange New Zealand UMTS900 is allowed
must give up frequencies to Sunrise and Swisscom. Norway UMTS900 is allowed
Poland UMTS900 is allowed
Thailand: AIS launched UMTS900-HSPA in Chiangmai Portugal Under consideration
on May 6, 2008, extending later to two central Bangkok Romania UMTS900 is allowed
shopping areas. Peak downlink speeds up to 7.2 Mbps Russia Under consideration
are offered. UMTS900 services will extend to Chonburi Saudi Arabia UMTS900 is allowed
province in 2009. Roll-out will remain limited until 2100 Singapore UMTS900 is allowed
MHz spectrum is allocated. NTC approved DTAC’s Spain Under consideration
plans to deploy UMTS-HSPA in its existing 850 MHz South Africa UMTS900 is allowed
spectrum. A 3G trial involving 2,000 users is underway. Sweden UMTS900 is allowed
Switzerland UMTS900 is allowed
UAE: The National Spectrum Plan and National Table of Thailand UMTS900 is allowed
Frequency Allocation confirms that UMTS900 is allowed. UAE UMTS900 is allowed
UK Under consideration
UK: 900 MHz spectrum is the subject of intense debate Venezuela UMTS900 is allowed
and diverging opinions between network operators and
Ofcom. Final decisions about re-farming and allocation

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 INFORMATION PAPER

March 2, 2010

Table 2: UMTS900 system deployments (March 2, 2010) © GSA

Country Operator Status

Australia Optus Launched

Australia Vodafone Launched
Belgium Mobistar Launched
Belgium Proximus Launched
Bulgaria Globul Testing
Estonia Elisa Launched
Finland Elisa Launched
Finland DNA Launched
Finland TeliaSonera Launched
France SFR Pilot network
Ghana MTN Ghana In deployment
Greece Cosmote Testing
Greenland Tele Greenland In deployment
Hong Kong CSL Limited In deployment
Iceland Siminn Launched
Latvia LMT Launched The above chart is available at www.gsacom.com/news/statistics.php4
New Zealand Vodafone Launched
Norway TeleNor Planned Download these informative UMTS900 operator case
studies www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers.php4
Norway Netcom Planned
Poland Aero2 Launched Optus, Australia
Russia All operators Trials Optus commenced building its HSPA-based UMTS900 network in
South Africa Cell C In deployment December 2007 which helped it achieve voice and data coverage for
Spain Telefonica Testing 96% of the Australian population by December 2008.
Sweden 3 In deployment
Thailand AIS Launched Elisa Finland
GSA published this first operator case study on Elisa Corporation in
Thailand DTAC In deployment Finland which shows significant cost and coverage benefits of
Venezuela Digitel Launched deploying 3G services with UMTS900. Elisa launched the world’s first
UMTS900 network service.
UMTS900-HSPA devices
Availability and choice of UMTS900-HSPA user devices is UMTS900 Update: New Operator Insights - Elisa Finland
excellent and continues to improve. Excluding notebooks, 258 Developing A Fully Inclusive Mobile Broadband Strategy: Bringing
Mobile Broadband To Remote And Rural Areas
UMTS900-HSPA devices are launched by 49 suppliers (GSA
HSPA Devices survey, January 26, 2010), including 145 Elisa is upgrading to HSPA+. Dr Eetu Prieur explains why…….
UMTS900-HSPA phones and 58 USB dongles. Most Presentation by Dr. Eetu Prieur, Elisa
UMTS900 devices support GSM/EDGE.
Log in and download at www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/info_papers.php4
Registered website users from GSA member organizations and
network operators can undertake their own analysis of HSPA devices
– including 900MHz - using GAMBoD, GSA’s HSPA devices analysis HSPA related charts, graphs, maps etc. including UMTS900 are available at
tool – log in and visit www.gsacom.com/gambod www.gsacom.com/news/statistics.php4
HSPA Devices Survey Key Findings (including UMTS900)
www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/wcdma_databank.php4 GSA represents leading GSM/3G/WCDMA-HSPA and LTE suppliers
Detailed Product List of all HSPA Devices (including UMTS900) worldwide. Industry professionals and organizations globally use
www.gsacom.com as a single information resource, targeted to the industry,
www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/surveys.php4
for authoritative facts, market intelligence, objective analysis and information.

UMTS900 workshop presentations GSA website: www.gsacom.com

GSA co-hosted a UMTS900 workshop in Dubai in December 2008.
Presentations: free downloads www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/dubai_2008.php4
GSA co-hosted a UMTS900 workshop in Cape Town in November 2008.
Presentations: free downloads
www.gsacom.com/gsm_3g/cape_town_2008.php4
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