Press release 23 October 2009
Broadband is currently undergoing a revolution similar to that seen in voice services in previous decades. In DNA's view, wireless technology is the most efficient way of achieving the government’s objective of extending broadband services to rural areas in Finland.
In Finland, people want to use top-quality telecommunication services at home, at work and on holiday, both in towns and rural areas. A broadband subscription is increasingly becoming a personal telecommunication connection for both laptops and mobile phones.
Since the beginning of 2009, DNA's 3G network service area has doubled, introducing wireless services to many regions which have previously been dependent on fixed copper networks. DNA was also the first operator in Finland, and among the first in the world, to introduce HSPA+ technology in its 3G network, enabling record speeds of up to 21 Mbps.
"HSPA+ was the first technology to offer customers actual data transfer speeds of several megabits," said Pekka Väisänen, DNA's Vice President, Consumer business.
"Bit by bit, users in rural areas can also benefit from actual speeds exceeding 5 Mbps. Later on, with HSPA + and LTE technology, the peak speed may increase to over 20 Mbps," he added.
Currently, the peak speed of the 3G network is available only with the Nokia CS-15 mobile broadband modem, launched by DNA in the autumn. Soon new terminals enabling even faster speeds will be available in the market.
From 26.10.2009 on, customers purchasing the CS-15 modem and a 2M product from DNA, with the Full Rate service, will be able to use the maximum data transfer speed offered by the terminal without any extra charge. During quiet periods and near base stations, this combination will provide customers with data transfer speeds close to the maximum speed of 10 Mbps. The average speed for end users will be 3-5 Mbps.
"At the moment, the HSPA+ service covers a significant part of DNA's 3G network and is expanding fast. With the network upgrade and the new modem, DNA's mobile broadband will represent the fastest wireless data transfer connections in Finland," said Mr Väisänen.
Presently 4.6 million people in Finland live within the coverage area.
More information:
Vice president, consumer business, Pekka Väisänen, DNA Ltd, tel. +358 44 0400 168, Pekka.vaisanen(a)dna.fi
DNA Communications: communications manager Helena Sukuvaara, DNA Ltd, tel. +358 44 044 4201, Helena.sukukvaara(a)dna.fi