Isle of Man enjoy benefits of 3G network

November 16, 2005

The Isle of Man, located in the British Isles, announced that O2 successfully launched Europe's first commercial, super-fast 3G mobile data network earlier this month. The 3G network was developed by the company's subsidiary Manx Telecom on the Isle of Man through a partnership with Lucent Technologies.

The 3G network on the Isle of Man incorporates HSDPA (high-speed downlink packet access) technology and positions O2 and Manx Telecom at the forefront of providing advanced mobile data services to customers within Europe. The network will provide full island coverage where customers use mobile communications services today. Based on advanced technology from Lucent Technologies, the futuristic network builds on O2's previous successful live trials of early 3G on the Isle of Man at the end of 2001. It also complements existing work that O2 has conducted with its two principal networking partners: Nortel Networks and Nokia Corporation.

"At the forefront of the next generation of telecommunications technology, we are able to provide our growing business community with state-of-the-art services to ensure companies continue to thrive on the Isle of Man," said Tim Craine, Director of E-Business for the Isle of Man Government.

Recognized for its pro-business environment and responsive government policies, the Isle of Man has become the home to a flourishing interactive entertainment and technology industry. Many companies are establishing operations in the Isle of Man to access the UK and European Union markets. To assist in this process, the Isle of Man Government provides generous grant packages of up to 40% to help offset the cost of moving, setting up operations, and acquiring new office equipment. The 3G mobile data network is yet another benefit the Island offers, as customers of gaming companies located on the Island will now be able to download interactive multiplayer games 3 times faster than today's commercial 3G UMTS networks.

In addition to progressive government policy, more than $90 million has been invested in the Island's telecommunications infrastructure over the past five years. The Isle of Man is leading Europe with innovative technology investments which include implementation of this Super Fast (HSDPA) 3G network, two self healing (SDH) fiber rings connecting the Isle of Man to both the UK and Ireland, 100 percent broadband coverage and free ADSL and ISDN connections available for businesses and individuals.