Telenor powers Pakistan with 3G, stage set for Internet for All

(Fornebu, Norway, April 25, 2014) Winning 3G spectrum license in Pakistan this week, Telenor Group continues its steady rollout of high-speed mobile data and Internet for All across its Asian markets. Telenor Pakistan was granted 2x5 MHz of 3G spectrum in the 2100 MHz band, valid for 15 years, in the country's first-ever next-generation auction conducted by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

Telenor Pakistan becomes the fourth of Telenor Group's six Asian operations with 3G network infrastructure. Telenor will add millions of Pakistani subscribers to the Group's growing base of more than 100 million subscribers in its 3G-powered Asian markets.

"This is a strong start of the next chapter for Telenor Pakistan and a great milestone for our tenth year in operation. Pakistan is our fourth '3G market' in Asia, and as we've already experienced in Thailand, Malaysia and Bangladesh, 3G is the enabler of better, faster and more flexible data services and, of course, of Internet for All," said Tore Johnsen, Senior Vice President, Telenor Group region Asia and Chairman, Telenor Pakistan.

With a 3G-ready network already in place, Telenor is planning a rapid rollout across Pakistan as soon as necessary clearances are issued. Telenor's 8,000--site network in Pakistan has been ready for next-generation technologies since 2013, when the company conducted a comprehensive modernization of its network infrastructure. The company has already developed and introduced comprehensive internet content offerings to its customers, including partnerships with services such as Facebook and WhatsApp. As early as 2009, Telenor Pakistan partnered with Tameer Bank to create Easypaisa. Today, Easypaisa is one of the world's most successful mobile, branchless banking services and a key driver for financial inclusion in Pakistan.

The total cost of the spectrum granted to Telenor Pakistan in the April 23, 2014 auction will be USD 147,5 million.

Internet for All in Pakistan
The arrival of 3G represents the beginning of a new age of connectivity in Pakistan. Today, barely 1 in 10  of Pakistanis has access to the Internet. While millions of Telenor Pakistan customers are using internet services over 2G today, it is expected that this number will soar as 3G is introduced.

Telenor Group notes that increases in penetration of 3G service generate significant economic benefits. A recent study conducted by GSMA revealed that a 10 percent substitution from 2G to 3G penetration increases GDP per capita growth by 0.15 percent. With the current cellular mobile tele-density crossing the 73 percent mark in Pakistan just last November, the rollout of 3G mobile services this year is likely to play a pivotal role in the country's socioeconomic development, the Group predicts.

With its 35 million customers and a network that covers 75% of Pakistan's population, Telenor Pakistan is the second largest telecom operator in the country. The company is wholly owned by Telenor Group and has a strong track record of providing industry-leading mobile services and innovations for all in the country.

Contact:
Tor Odland
VP Communications
Telenor Group Region Asia
Mobile: [phone]
[e-mail]

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Source: Telenor via Globenewswire

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