Paphos People

PRIVATE mobile phone operators MTN yesterday announced the launch of mobile broadband, through the provision of their 3.5G service – the first such technology available in Cyprus.

The new 3.5G is an enhancement to the third generation (3G) technology, which offers faster mobile internet access speeds, allowing users to download data up to five times faster than with 3G.

Under optimal conditions, the MTN 3.5G service can reach a practical data rate of up to 1.8 Mbps (Downlink speed).This can be increased according to the usage.

MTN describes the service as ideal for those who are constantly on the move and need immediate, wireless access to their emails and the internet. At the same time, it secures fast data transfers and enables access to office files through VPN (Virtual Private Network).

At present, the service is only available in Nicosia, where there is an increased demand for mobile data communication, but MTN hopes to extend it to all cities in due time.

In the first phase of the launch of this service there will be a total of fifty 3.5G enabled radio sites. The plan is to continue increasing the number of sites during 2008 in Nicosia and other cities.

The service is available on 3.5G compatible mobile handsets, and MTN now offers the Mobile USB Modem so it doesn’t matter whether you have a laptop or desktop computer, you can connect to the Internet and send SMS messages through an MTN data connection.

By using MTN Data, customers are guaranteed high data transmission speeds through a network of 3G and GPRS technologies. Through the “seamless” integration of these technologies, you will always be connected at the fastest available speed depending on the network capabilities in your area.

MTN offers a variety of price plans for data connection in order to suit users’ needs in the best possible way.

The MTN Mobile USB Modem is easy to use as it is automatically installed on Windows and Macintosh drivers and offers “seamless” access through the 3G, 2.5G or 2G network when out of the 3.5G coverage. The device can be found in all MTN shops, in Germanos, Aeliotis and soon through other official distributors.

MTN said its rich service portfolio was designed to serve and facilitate subscribers’ daily communication needs.

“I would like to leave you once again with a promise that our ‘first in Cyprus’ list will continue to grow”, said Bassel Jamaleddine, CEO of MTN.