TDE.L Regulatory News (TDE)

6 Oct 2008 11:00



Telefónica O2 and Huawei begin cooperation on expanding 3G

network coverage 

6. 10. 2008

Telefónica O2 Czech Republic has taken a significant step towards carrying out its announced expansion of 3G network coverage, based on UMTS/HSDPA technology. By doing so, the operator is continuing in its strategy of expanding high-speed mobile data services in the Czech Republic - an area in which it is the leader. Following a tender, Telefónica O2 has chosen Huawei as the provider of the UMTS network infrastructure and modernization of its 2G network and signed up the contract at the end of September. 

"Telefónica O2 Czech Republic has always been the leader in high speed data services," says Salvador Anglada, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Telefónica O2 Czech Republic, adding "Now we want to provide the benefits of high speed mobile internet to the most Czech cities. Therefore, we decided to expand our 3G network and modernize our 2G network. To accomplish these tasks, we selected Huawei, one of the most prominent suppliers of mobile network products. We selected them for their experience and quality, as well as for the technical maturity of the technologies they provide." 

"We truly appreciate the opportunity to begin cooperating with Telefónica O2 on expanding their network coverage. We are pleased that our offer was successful and that we can thus contribute to essential developments in mobile data technologies," said Xiaoming Tang, President of Telefónica Key Account Department, Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.

Telefónica O2 is currently the only Czech operator providing 3G network coverage based on UMTS/HSDPA technology in Prague and Brno. Users in these cities can enjoy higher transmissions of up to 3.6 Mbit/s at the beginning of next year. By the end of 2009, the operator is planning to expand the signal to 20 to 30 towns in the Czech Republic. Over the next two to three years, coverage will expand to around 70% of the Czech population. 

By the end of 2010, considerable modernization of the 2G network will be carried out in cooperation with Huawei. Through EDGE technology, this network will increase speeds in the entire GSM network to 150-200kbit/s.

In 2004, Telefónica O2 Czech Republic became the first operator in the Czech Republic to introduce high-speed mobile data services based on CDMA 450 technology, the first to launch internationally compatible high-speed mobile data services based on UMTS technology, and was one of the first ten global operators to start offering HSDPA technology commercially.

In the first phase, technology for third-generation mobile networks enable data transfer speeds of up to 3.6 Mbit/s. Within the next few years, it will be possible to increase transfer speeds to up to 7.2 Mbit/s. With UMTS/HSDPA technology, users will thus be able to connect to the Internet and browse web pages, send and receive emails, and stream much faster than they can in other networks.

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About Telefónica O2 Czech Republic 

Telefónica O2 Czech Republic is a major integrated operator in the Czech Republic. It is now operating more than seven million lines, both fixed and mobile, making it one of the world's leading providers of fully converged services. The organization offers the most comprehensive portfolio of voice and data services in this country. It is paying special attention to the exploitation of the growth potential, particularly in the data and Internet sector. Telefónica O2 Czech Republic operates the largest fixed and mobile network including a 3rd generation network, CDMA (for data), and UMTS, enabling voice, data and video transmission. Telefónica O2 Czech Republic is also a notable provider of ICT services.

About Telefónica Europe

Telefónica Europe is a business division of Telefónica comprising mobile, fixed, and DSL operations in the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. With the exception of Isle of Man, all the operating businesses use 'O2' as their consumer brand. Telefónica Europe also has 50% ownership of the UK and Irish Tesco Mobile and German Tchibo Mobilfunk joint venture businesses. Telefónica Europe is headquartered in Slough, UK, and has 43 million mobile and fixed customers.

About Huawei Technologies

Huawei Technologies is a leader in providing next generation telecommunications networks, and now serves 35 of the world's top 50 operators, along with over one billion users worldwide. The company is committed to providing innovative and customized products, services and solutions to create long-term value and growth potential for its customers. For more information, please visit www.huawei.com.