Vodafone announces German 3G delay
Aug. 08, 2002 5:26 PM EST
OXFORD, United Kingdom—Vodafone has joined the fast-growing group of European operators to announce delays of third-generation (3G) network deployments. The company said technical problems now mean it is likely to be at least early 2003 before 3G commercial services will be launched in Germany, instead of later this year as originally stated.
According to Juergen von Kuczkowski, head of Vodafone’s German mobile operations, 3G handsets were also a factor in the delay. “It is less a question of terminal quantity than quality standards, and we are simply not satisfied with various performance features. This is particularly so with handover problems. Our suppliers, Nokia and Motorola, are often not able to keep to agreed timetables, and they delay again and again features and handset deliveries.”
In support of this complaint, Nokia admitted it has had problems harmonizing 3G networks and terminals made by different firms.
Separately, Germany’s Quam, a joint venture between the Spanish and Finnish telecom groups Telefónica Móviles and Sonera, announced it will cut 800 jobs from a total work force of 900 following the decision by its two owners to put their German activities on hold. Quam, which holds a 3G license, has only managed to attract 75,000 customers to its GSM-based service.
globalwirelessnews.com
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"In support of this complaint, Nokia admitted it has had problems harmonizing 3G networks and terminals made by different firms."
<ggg>
Oops! What about delayed 3G Finland (among others), where NOK calls the handset and infrastructure shots?
From "Finns Head for Limp Launch " 07.22.02
Message 17778903
"The interpretation of "commercial launch" will be stretched to its limits in Finland this September. Homegrown mobile talents Sonera Corp. and Nokia Corp. are sticking to their timetable for a joint 3G jamboree, despite indications that the occasion will be little more than a photo op."
Getting hard to juggle excuses? <ggg> And what about that sticky handoff?
Scared investors were relieved to suck up Jorma's monkeyshine Wednesday.
How long will it last?
Will Gent buy any 7650's - or does Japan do it better and cheaper? |
