Our decision to apply for a 3G license in Norway was based on our aim of gaining a 3G license in Finland, Norway and Sweden. However, we did not receive a license in Sweden, so the scaling and synergy benefits that we expected to achieve with geographically adjoining mobile communications markets did not realize. The decision is also supported by the small size of the Norwegian mobile communications market, said senior vice president Aimo Olkkonen, in charge of Sonera’s international mobile business holdings and their development.
Enitel’s change of strategy to focus on its core business and to divest its shares in 3G business. and the lack of a buyer for Broaband Mobiles shares required Sonera to either to take possession of the whole company or place it into liquidation. Sonera’s strategic choice has been not to run operator business outside Finland as a majority shareholder. Thus the only option in accordance with our strategy was to immediately take measures to place the company into liquidation, Olkkonen continued.
The decision on placing Broadband Mobile into liquidation and on discontinuing the company’s operations is individual and based on our local partner’s decision to withdraw from our joint venture. It has no impact on Sonera’s other 3G mobile communications associated companies in Germany, Italy and Spain, stressed Olkkonen.
