UPDATE 1-TeliaSonera, Elisa, DNA get Finland 4G frequencies
* Finland says new frequencies in lower 1,800 MHz band
* Says will enable wider coverage at lower cost (adding details, quote)
HELSINKI, April 24 (Reuters) - Finland said on Friday it had allotted additional frequencies to the three nationwide mobile network operators TeliaSonera (TLSN.ST), Elisa (ELI1V.HE) and DNA [DNA.UL] for opening next-generation networks.
Finland said the frequencies are located in the 1,800 MHz band, making it the first country in Europe to allow the use of next-generation LTE technology at such low spectrum.
"As a result, fast 4G networks can be provided with a substantially wider coverage at a lower cost than commonly used 2,600 MHz networks, which require a considerably larger number of base stations," Finland said in a statement.
The operators do not need an additional licence for the network, a spokesman for the communications ministry said.
The LTE networks are slated to be deployed in the coming years by large wireless telecommunications carriers including Vodafone Group Plc (VOD.L) and Verizon Wireless, a joint venture of Vodafone and Verizon Communications Inc (VZ.N). (Reporting by Tarmo Virki; Editing by Hans Peters)
