Elisa has Finland's most extensive 3G network and fastest connections
Press release, 12 May 2009
There are already half a million mobile broadband users in Finland.
According to the most recent comparative survey, Elisa still remains
the leading 3G operator in Finland as regards both coverage area and
connection speed.
Finns have become frequent mobile broadband users. During 2008, data
use increased by as much as ten times when compared to the previous
year, and the rapid growth still continues. At the moment, almost 90
per cent of Finns live within a 3G network coverage area.
To meet the exponential growth in mobile broadband use, mobile
operators have expanded their respective 3G networks at a quick pace.
According to a survey conducted by the European Communications
Engineering (ECE Ltd), Elisa has risen the best to the challenge.
"According to the ECE's survey results, Elisa's 3G network clearly
has a more extensive coverage area and faster mobile broadband
connections than its competitors. This is due to the fact that we
have determinedly invested in the quality and coverage of our network
for many years. In fact, Elisa has more 3G base stations than other
operators," says Panu Lehti, Executive Vice President at Elisa.
Data rates set to increase
The survey measured the data rates of mobile broadband connections in
the networks of different operators by using a regular USB stick
modem and a laptop computer. The data rates of Elisa's network were
higher than those of its competitors. A particularly clear difference
with other operators was established with fast mobile broadband
connections at a minimum of 1-2 Mbps. A fast connection means that it
is more convenient to use the mobile broadband. All services may not
always function properly with slower connections.
"The mobile broadband customers of Elisa and Saunalahti can test
their connection for two weeks. Also in the next few years, users'
data rates will at best increase to as high as ten megabits per
second, and momentarily perhaps even higher," Lehti says.
The most common way to use a mobile broadband connection is to use a
laptop and a USB stick modem. Nowadays, an increasing number of users
also use a wireless connection on desktop home computers due to the
connection's inexpensiveness.
Additional information:
Panu Lehti, Executive Vice President, Elisa Corporation, tel. +358
45 670 0323, panu.lehti@elisa.fi
Risto Jurva, Vice President, ECE Ltd, tel. +358 50 344 2611,
risto.jurva@eceltd.com
Operator survey by ECE Ltd: www.elisa.fi/pressi (in Finnish) or
www.elisa.com
The ECE studied the regional coverage quality and data rate of the 3G
networks of three Finnish mobile operators on a driving route of
almost 14,000 kilometres in 100 locations, covering areas where over
70 per cent of the country's population resides. The survey was
carried out between February and April, and is the third independent
survey of its kind in Finland. The previous surveys were carried out
in spring 2008 and autumn 2008.
European Communications Engineering (ECE Ltd) is an independent
Finnish expert company specialising in radio network design, training
and development operations.
This announcement was originally distributed by Hugin. The issuer is
solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
