Telefonica Spain has awarded a contract for its 5G radio network to Nokia and Ericsson for the frequency bands 3.5GHz and 700MHz.
Nokia and Ericsson would share usage of the frequency bands equally until 2026, but without any changes to each network’s geographical distribution.

Telefonica said the move would allow it to focus on improving its standalone 5G offering.

“It’s a long-term contract, which is the most appropriate scenario for Telefonica as it maintains 4G providers in place and gives us stability to roll out and develop 5G,” Telefonica’s head of Operations and Network Joaquin Mata said in a statement.

Mobile operators including Orange, Telefonica, and Vodafone have expressed interest in acquiring the 700MHz band during a spectrum auction before 21 July.

The contracts include the possibility of the Scandinavian operators expanding current 4G services or migrating to 5G depending on their needs.