Mobile phone operators open 3G tests in Finland

Two Finnish mobile phone operators have opened third generation networks for test use.

Sonera and Radiolinja have both begun advanced trials using Universal Mobile Telephone System technology.

The networks are expected to be in full commercial use in four cities - Helsinki, Tampere, Turku and Oulu - either late this year or early in 2003.

UMTS offers transmission speeds nearly 40 times greater than existing standards.

This means mobile access to internet services, multimedia applications and email.

A Sonera spokesperson says public interest should really take off this autumn, when both Nokia and Ericsson launch 3G handsets.