Application for repeater permit

A repeater acts as a two-way amplifier that broadcasts signals inward to the user through one or more service antennas and outward back to the base station using a donor antenna. It can't create new coverage in an area, but it can amplify existing coverage. For this to work, outdoor coverage must be good or at least acceptable, and the donor antenna must be positioned where it can capture the signal. If the outdoor signal is weak or disrupted, the repeater won't improve the situation – instead, it will amplify the interference.

All repeaters can cause interference in the network that affects other users – not just those near the repeater, but everyone within the entire base station's coverage area. For a repeater to work effectively, it needs sufficient output power and signal strength to reach back to the base station, but this also means it can create interference for other users.

For optimal performance, the repeater should only receive signals from and transmit back to a single base station. To ensure this, donor antennas with a narrow beam width are used, typically under 20 degrees. Distance to the base station is therefore important – the greater the distance, the larger the area covered by the repeater. A repeater with a wide donor antenna placed on an island near the coast can transmit signals to multiple base stations along the coastline, creating problems for both the repeater user and other users in the area.

The number of repeaters under the same base station is also critical. Each repeater generates a certain amount of noise, which collectively can interfere with the mobile network. A few repeaters can work fine, but if the number becomes large (more than 8–10 units), it can create problems. The size of the repeater's antenna also plays a significant role here. If it's too wide and covers multiple base stations, the total number of possible repeaters decreases rapidly because each repeater must be "counted multiple times."

Whether a repeater is suitable and which type should be used must be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

We only approve band-selective repeaters that are limited to Telia's frequency bands. Broadband repeaters are not permitted. This is necessary to protect both our own network and other operators' networks from interference. In the worst case, a broadband repeater can disrupt all operators across a large area, potentially preventing users from reaching critical services like the 112 emergency number.

Here's a list of mobile network repeaters not approved for use on Telia's network.

1. Review the terms - Start by carefully reading through all application terms.

2. Complete the application - Fill out the application form and submit it.

3. Confirmation - After submission, you'll receive a case number via email.

4. Evaluation - Telia evaluates the technical feasibility of granting permission and determines the appropriate antenna direction for your donor antenna.

5. Agreement - If approved, an agreement will be sent to the contact person's (private) or contract party's (business) email address for e-signature. The agreement is sent from scrive.com, so make sure this domain isn't blocked in your spam filters.

6. Activation - Once the agreement is signed, the authorization process is complete and you can activate your repeater. The agreement also includes information on how to notify us that your repeater is operational.

No, Telia doesn't charge any fees for the permit or processing. However, it's essential that you obtain the necessary permit.

Telia's position is that repeaters are primarily designed to improve voice service. To enhance your data connection, we recommend mobile broadband with a router and a high-quality outdoor antenna pointed toward the nearest base station. The antenna should cover the 690–2700 MHz frequency band. If you're experiencing voice service issues, Wi-Fi calling through a mobile router can also resolve them.

Benefits of a mobile router

• A repeater only amplifies one frequency band, which limits capacity. A router uses all available frequency bands, enabling higher capacity and faster data speeds.

• A repeater requires a permit, while a router doesn't.

• A Wi-Fi network can easily be expanded with mesh network products to improve indoor coverage.

Yes, another option is to use Wi-Fi calling, a feature available on most modern phones. With Wi-Fi calling, your phone can connect through a Wi-Fi network – at home or at work, for example – when mobile coverage is unavailable. You can make and receive calls as usual, but the connection routes through the wireless network and broadband connection to the mobile network. Wi-Fi calling also works well for vacation homes.

Another option is to use a mobile router with an outdoor-mounted antenna. This can provide reliable broadband connectivity where voice calls use Wi-Fi calling.

Telia currently grants permits for the 800 MHz and 1800 MHz bands. Which frequency band you should apply for depends on your specific needs. Mobile networks use various forms of traffic management, and Telia prioritizes 1800 MHz over 800 MHz. This means that if a strong signal is available on 1800 MHz, devices will connect to it even if a repeater on a lower-priority band provides a stronger signal. For this reason, you should apply for a permit on the highest-priority band available at your location.

A site visit is required to measure signal strength (RSRP) and identify the base station (Cell/ECI/PCI) where the donor antenna will be placed. If this information is missing from your application, it will be returned for completion.

A repeater permit is issued for a specific location and repeater model. Applications submitted without specifying the repeater model will be returned for completion. We recommend waiting until your permit is approved before purchasing the repeater.

Telia doesn't sell repeater hardware, but many retailers in Sweden do. We don't recommend a specific model since it depends on your setup. However, the repeater must meet regulatory requirements (CE, 3GPP, and ETSI), and we recommend choosing a Sweden-based retailer. Many foreign suppliers sell models that aren't approved for use in Sweden.

Telia's frequency bands are listed below. The repeater must be configured correctly to ensure optimal performance and avoid interference with other frequency bands.

• 800 band (Band 20): LTE EARFCN 6300

  • Downlink: 801.2–810.8 MHz

  • Uplink: 842.2–851.8 MHz

• 1800 band (Band 3): LTE EARFCN 1300

  • Downlink: 1805.2–1824.8 MHz

  • Uplink: 1710.2–1729.8 MHz

The agreement specifies the recommended direction for your donor antenna. Our team bases this recommendation on maps and base station locations, but may not be aware of the exact local conditions. If you have a suggested direction based on your site survey, please include it in your application and we'll do our best to accommodate it. If you're unsure of the direction, simply enter a question mark in that field.

If the direction specified in the agreement doesn't work, contact us at repeater@telia.se with your case number in the subject line and we'll assist you.

The easiest way is to use an online map service, such as hitta.se. You can place a marker to display the location's coordinates. Note that the coordinates you provide should be for the location of your donor antenna (the antenna that will be directed toward the mobile network's base station). This is the point from which radio waves will be transmitted and received. We prefer coordinates in the SWEREF99 format.

Applications without coordinates cannot be processed and will be returned for completion. An address alone is not sufficient, as we cannot confirm with certainty that it's the correct location when performing an address lookup.

No, the repeater permit is valid only for the location specified in the agreement and cannot be transferred. If you want to relocate the repeater, you'll need to apply for a new permit for the new location.

Permits are also not issued for repeaters installed in moving vehicles, such as cars or boats. A mobile repeater can cause significant interference in the mobile network, making it extremely difficult to identify the source of the disruption since it's constantly moving.

To renew your agreement, email repeater@telia.se. Include the Repeater ID or case number (typically an R followed by six digits). Also provide the address and location where the repeater is installed, along with the name of the repeater owner (individual or company name) to help us identify your account.

Please include the following information so we can verify that our records are still current:

• Contact details for the person who will sign the agreement: name, phone number, and email address.

• Technical contact, the person who can answer technical questions about the installation: name, phone number, and email address.

Once we receive this information, we'll prepare a new agreement and send it to you for electronic signature. After both parties have signed, you'll have a new three-year agreement in place.

If you no longer need your repeater, please notify us to cancel the agreement. Send an email to repeater@telia.se and include your RepeaterID/case number (typically an R followed by six digits). Also provide the address and location where the repeater is installed, as well as the name of the repeater owner (individual or company name) to help us identify your account.

The repeater is your property and you're responsible for dismantling it and handling any recycling.

If you need to replace your repeater or change frequency bands, you'll need to submit a new application and cancel the existing agreement.

If you've received a permit from one operator, that permit only covers their portion of the frequency band. When switching operators, you'll need to apply for a new permit with the new operator and cancel your existing permit with the previous one.