New GSM Network Launched in Kosovo

Kosovo's newest GSM network, Ipko has commercially launched its services, according to a note from infrastructure supplier, Ericsson Nikola Tesla. The two companies originally signed a contract in June 2007 to build out a greenfield network in a contract worth EUR37 million (US$49.8 million). The network operator is a consortium comprised of Telekom Slovenija, Mobitel and Ipko.

The partnership between Ericsson Nikola Tesla and Ipko has been confirmed and expanded by a managed services contract under which Ericsson Nikola Tesla will operate IpkoĆ's GSM network. This contract was signed on the same day of the official launch of this operatorĆ's GSM network last week, and it is valued at around EUR4 million. The contract is valid for the period of two and a half years over which Ericsson Nikola Tesla, in cooperation with IpkoĆ's technical staff, will take care of the operation and maintenance of the network.

Duƅ”an Mitic(, president of IpkoĆ's Board and deputy president of Telekom SlovenijaĆ's Management Board comments: "This project is a result achieved by three partners, operating from three different countries, therefore carefully harmonized cooperation was essential for the final success. Together we built the most advanced GSM network in a record time. This is a strong platform which will provide our subscribers with high quality service and the best user experience."

According to statistics from the Mobile World service, the Kosovo province had an estimated 820,000 subscribers at the end of the first half of this year - equating to a population penetration level of around 40%.

Sweden's Ericsson owns 49% of Ericsson Nikola Tesla, with the rest held by investors and floated on the Zagreb Stock Exchange.

Kosovo is a province of Serbia which has been under United Nations administration since 1999. While Serbia's sovereignty is recognised by the international community, in practice Serbian governance in the province is virtually non-existent. The province is governed by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) with the help of the local Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG), as well as security provided by the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR).

Posted to the site on 17th December 2007