World Business

Finland launches its 1st 4G networks

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-03 09:36

HELSINKI: Finnish telecommunication operators Sonera and Elisa launched Finland's first 4G networks respectively in Turku and Helsinki on Tuesday, Finnish media reported on Wednesday.

According to Sonera, the 4G network in Finnish southwestern city Turku was launched on Tuesday for pre-commercial use. The company has recruited 20 users to pilot it. The network to be rolled out during May and June is available mainly in the center of Turku. Sonera is looking forward to the experiences that the users in Turku will gain from 4G and will make decisions on the expansion and commercial roll-out of the 4G network in Finland later in 2010 based on local market conditions.

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Another Finnish telecommunication operator Elisa also launched 4G network trial in Finland's capital Helsinki on Tuesday.

4G refers to the fourth generation of cellular wireless standards. Its downlink data speeds can be ten times quicker than 3G network. Its fast mobile data transmission makes it possible to use, for example, video, interactive TV services, and many professional applications easily on the mobile network.