Swiss 3G operators get coverage break
Source: Global Wireless News
DUBLIN, Ireland—Third-generation (3G) operators in Switzerland have received some much-needed breathing space with the decision of the country’s telecom regulator to remove the first minimum population coverage deadline.
Under the original terms of the 3G licenses, which were auctioned at the end of 2000, the successful bidders were obliged to offer services to 20 percent of the population by the end of this year. Regulator ComCom has now removed that condition. However, Switzerland’s four 3G license holders—incumbent Swisscom, along with Orange, TDC Switzerland and the Telefónica Móviles-backed venture 3G Mobile—have not yet received a derogation on their obligations to provide 50-percent population coverage by the end of 2004.
