Press release, 12 May 2009 
 
There are already half a million mobile broadband users in Finland. 
According to the most recent comparative survey, Elisa still remains 
the leading 3G operator in Finland as regards both coverage area and 
connection speed. 
 
Finns have become frequent mobile broadband users. During 2008, data 
use increased by as much as ten times when compared to the previous 
year, and the rapid growth still continues. At the moment, almost 90 
per cent of Finns live within a 3G network coverage area. 
 
To meet the exponential growth in mobile broadband use, mobile 
operators have expanded their respective 3G networks at a quick pace. 
According to a survey conducted by the European Communications 
Engineering (ECE Ltd), Elisa has risen the best to the challenge. 
 
"According to the ECE's survey results, Elisa's 3G network clearly 
has a more extensive coverage area and faster mobile broadband 
connections than its competitors. This is due to the fact that we 
have determinedly invested in the quality and coverage of our network 
for many years. In fact, Elisa has more 3G base stations than other 
operators," says Panu Lehti, Executive Vice President at Elisa. 
 
Data rates set to increase 
 
The survey measured the data rates of mobile broadband connections in 
the networks of different operators by using a regular USB stick 
modem and a laptop computer. The data rates of Elisa's network were 
higher than those of its competitors. A particularly clear difference 
with other operators was established with fast mobile broadband 
connections at a minimum of 1-2 Mbps. A fast connection means that it 
is more convenient to use the mobile broadband. All services may not 
always function properly with slower connections. 
 
"The mobile broadband customers of Elisa and Saunalahti can test 
their connection for two weeks. Also in the next few years, users' 
data rates will at best increase to as high as ten megabits per 
second, and momentarily perhaps even higher," Lehti says. 
 
The most common way to use a mobile broadband connection is to use a 
laptop and a USB stick modem. Nowadays, an increasing number of users 
also use a wireless connection on desktop home computers due to the 
connection's inexpensiveness. 
 
 
Additional information: 
 
Panu Lehti, Executive Vice President, Elisa Corporation, tel. +358 
45 670 0323, panu.lehti@elisa.fi 
Risto Jurva, Vice President, ECE Ltd, tel. +358 50 344 2611, 
risto.jurva@eceltd.com 
Operator survey by ECE Ltd: www.elisa.fi/pressi (in Finnish) or 
www.elisa.com 
 
The ECE studied the regional coverage quality and data rate of the 3G 
networks of three Finnish mobile operators on a driving route of 
almost 14,000 kilometres in 100 locations, covering areas where over 
70 per cent of the country's population resides. The survey was 
carried out between February and April, and is the third independent 
survey of its kind in Finland. The previous surveys were carried out 
in spring 2008 and autumn 2008. 
 
European Communications Engineering (ECE Ltd) is an independent 
Finnish expert company specialising in radio network design, training 
and development operations. 
 
 
This announcement was originally distributed by Hugin. The issuer is 
solely responsible for the content of this announcement. 
 
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