Telia, Lyse to combine Norwegian mobile radio networks to save costs

STOCKHOLM, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Swedish telecoms group Telia and Norway's Lyse, ​owner of mobile operator Ice, ‌have agreed to combine their Norwegian mobile ‌radio access networks into a jointly held firm, the companies said on Monday.

Telenor dominates the Norwegian telecom market, ⁠followed by ‌Telia Norway and Ice.

Telia Norway and Ice will continue to ‍own and operate separate core networks as independent players and competitors.

"This gives us ​both an opportunity to build ‌a nationwide network, which we cannot do in isolation by ourselves, because it's too costly," Telia CEO Patrik Hofbauer told Reuters.

Telia said it expects the ⁠network combination to ​save material costs and deliver ​clear financial benefits.

"It will give us the firepower to invest ‍and build ⁠a strong digital network," Hofbauer said.

The combined network is expected to ⁠be operational in the second quarter.

(Reporting by ‌Supantha Mukherjee in Stockholm, editing ‌by Anna Ringstrom)