Denmark lengthen 3G subscription lockup

September 15, 2004

Danish mobile operators will now be able to extend the lockup subscription period of 3G subscribers to 12 months. Under the current competition regulations operators can only tie customers to a contract for a maximum of six months.

The Danish competition authority, Konkurrencestyrelsen, said the lockup extension would encourage operators to offer subsidies on 3G handsets and boost take-up of 3G services.

"A larger and faster spreading of 3G technology will improve competition in many ways and will be an advantage to consumers," it said in a statement.

Hutchison Whampoa's 3 business is the only operator in Denmark that provides a commercial 3G service.

Other 3G license holders in the country include TDC and TeliaSonera.