Telenor opens third generation mobile network

UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System) is the new standard for mobile communication. The technology enables a far greater capacity for data transmission than what is obtainable by today's standards. The new system will help to generate the development of mobile services, greatly enhancing the range of services available today. UMTS will, for example, facilitate the transmission of moving pictures on mobile phones.

The majority of other countries have postponed the opening of their third generation mobile networks, sending Norway far ahead in this area. Although UMTS terminals and services will not be available to the general public for a number of months yet, it is extremely valuable for Telenor Mobil and its partners to open a network that can be used for trial- and development activities. This will contribute to keeping Norway in the forefront when it comes to developing mobile services. The network will also be expanded to cover far more towns and densely populated areas before it is in full practical operation.

The development of UMTS technology has been greatly delayed in light of the initial expectations aired when the licenses for the third generation networks were issued a year ago. There is presently a limited amount of test terminals available, and the network itself can initially only be used for voice calls. The development of services that fully utilize the possibilities of UMTS technology is well under way, and functional UMTS terminals are expected to be available for the mass market in the course of the Autumn 2002.