VIENNA, Austria-Mobilkom Austria, the largest Austrian mobile operator, has become one of the first European operators to deploy a UMTS network. About 25 percent of Austria, including most major urban areas, is covered in the initial launch.
However, the operator is waiting for terminals before it will offer third-generation services to its customers. Sonera in Finland also said it has deployed its UMTS network, but has not launched commercial service because of a lack of available handsets. Nokia Corp. is expected to release its first UMTS terminal this week.
Mobilkom Austria is one of few European operators without a significant debt level, enabling it to build its network through its own cash flow more quickly than its European counterparts. Telekom Austria controls 100 percent of Mobilkom.
Vendors L.M. Ericsson and Nortel Networks Ltd, both suppliers of Mobilkom’s UMTS infrastructure, were quick to release statements citing their involvement. The vendors said a live video call using “form factor” handsets between the cities of Vienna and Graz inaugurated the service.
A commercial UMTS system run by Manx Telecom, an MmO2 subsidiary, is operational on the Isle of Man.
