Telia/Sonera merger cleared - News in Brief - Brief Article

Telecommunications International, August, 2002

The union between Sweden's Telia and Finland's Sonera has been approved by the European Commission -- but is based upon four conditions. Firstly, Telia has to sell its mobile operations, dealership chain and wireless LAN business in Finland. Secondly, it has to off load its Swedish comhem AB business and related network.

Thirdly, the new company has to ensure that its fixed and mobile businesses are held in separate legal entities and distinct from related retail activities. Fourthly, the new organisation has to make its regulated wholesale fixed and mobile products (and international GSM roaming interests) available to other operators in both markets on a non-discriminatory basis.