The number of NMT 450 customers has been decreasing rapidly during the last years, and by the end of 2004, there will be very few customers left. Other countries are also in the process of closing down their NMT 450 networks. Moreover, fewer suppliers are able to repair and maintain NMT equipment. Telenor Mobil has therefore decided not to apply for a further extension of the NMT 450 licence. All customers will be informed directly, and today's coverage and service level will be maintained until the actual closing. Telenor Mobil's NMT 450 licence was originally to expire in October 2003, but an extended licence period was granted.
Alternatives to NMT 450
Telenor Mobil will continue to work actively to provide mobile services in areas with the most NMT 450 traffic. Increased use of extended cell technology, which doubles the range of GSM coverage, is one alternative being considered to improve GSM coverage in mountainous areas and along the coastline. In addition, Telenor Mobil has entered into a roaming agreement with satellite telephony operator Globalstar. This contract will in rough terms provide Telenor Mobil customers with mobile coverage in areas where GSM is not available and which today are covered by NMT 450.
Telenor Mobil will continue to work actively to provide mobile services in areas with the most NMT 450 traffic. Increased use of extended cell technology, which doubles the range of GSM coverage, is one alternative being considered to improve GSM coverage in mountainous areas and along the coastline. In addition, Telenor Mobil has entered into a roaming agreement with satellite telephony operator Globalstar. This contract will in rough terms provide Telenor Mobil customers with mobile coverage in areas where GSM is not available and which today are covered by NMT 450.
NMT 450 was the first public, automatic mobile service, and was launched in Norway in 1981. The system was developed in co-operation between the Nordic telecom companies. At its peak in 1996, there were 190,000 NMT 450 subscribers in Norway, while the customer base at the end of the third quarter 2002 was 57,000. This number continues to decrease by about 1,500 per month.
Telenor Mobil has seen a strong customer transition from NMT to GSM, partly because of continuously improved GSM coverage. GSM today covers about 98% of the Norwegian population. GSM also offers far more services than NMT, and is available in most countries.
The total customer base of Telenor Mobil in Norway was 2,4 million at the end of the third quarter 2002.