Swedish Hi3G to ask for 3G rollout deadline extension
October 30, 2002
Swedish mobile operator Hi3G, owned by Hutchison Whampoa and Swedish
company Investor, said it would apply to the telecommunications
authorities (PTS) for an extension to the deadline for a nationwide
rollout of 3G mobile services next week.
The operator still wants to launch its 3G services in spring of
next year. Just like other 3G license holders in Sweden, the authorities
have been slow in granting building permits for radio masts.
"The main argument is that we are facing problems with obtaining
building permits for masts," a spokesman for Hi3G said.
Hi3G is the third operator in Sweden to apply for an extension
to the original rollout deadline of end 2003. Under the terms of
the 3G licenses, operators must cover 99.9% of the population by
end 2003. Vodafone and Orange are the other two operators that have
applied for an extension. Orange's application ahs been rejected
by the PTS while Vodafone's application is still under review.
Hi3G, a consortium of the Hong-Kong conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa
and Swedish investment company Investor , said however it still
wanted to launch its 3G services, offering video on handsets , in
spring of 2003.
Tele2 is the only operator not to have applied for an extension
and are confident in rolling out nationwide 3G services by the deadline
date.
If the PTS approves the extension to Vodafone or Hi3G, then Orange
will more than likely demand an extension.
In the English press yesterday, it has been reported that Hutchison
3G in the UK may delay the launch of commercial 3G services. Previously,
Hutchison themselves were confident they will have paying customers
by the end of the year.
|
3G Motorola A920
