T-Mobile Preparing for Hungarian 3G Launch

In preparation for the commercial launch of the UMTS service, T-Mobile Hungary commissioned its core network as the first step, serving as the platform for testing the services and terminals to be introduced.

Following the selection of Ericsson Hungary, the system supplier - within a few weeks upon signing the agreement - the mobile operator put into operation its 3G basic network in three sites of Budapest. This action enables the operator to start the pilot operation required for the commercial launch of the 3G service, intended to cover at least downtown Budapest by the end of the year. The first services being tested on T-Mobile's 3G pilot system are: video telephony, broadband Internet and video downloading.

According to a predefined schedule, T-Mobile's 3G basic network will continuously increase by adding new cells. Simultaneously with extending the regional coverage, capacity as well as the number of available applications will also increase.

Following the successful testing of the basic network as well as successful implementation of additional base stations and switches, customers - holding appropriately enabled telephones - can use T-Mobile's commercial UMTS services later this year."

Posted to the site on 17th February 2005